The Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition event scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been postponed. The event was set to feature Grand Slam champions Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Alexander Zverev, beginning on October 21. Other players expected to participate included Australia's Alex de Minaur and American players Taylor Fritz and Learner Tien.
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The postponement follows recent attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement, including a missile strike on Riyadh's airport that resulted in 13 fatalities and over 300 injuries. Saudi Arabia's energy minister has promised a serious response to the Houthi attacks, which also targeted oil and gas facilities in the kingdom.
Due to the escalating situation, three Saudi Pro League matches, including one involving Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, have been postponed. Future sporting events, such as Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, could also be impacted by the regional conflict.
According to the Six Kings Slam organizers, the decision to postpone reflects a commitment to maintaining high standards for sporting events, taking into account logistical challenges and their potential impact on audience experience. The ANB Arena, where the tournament is to be held, is located approximately 31 kilometers from King Khalid International Airport.
Originally in its third edition, which was won by Italy's Jannik Sinner last year, the tournament has been rescheduled to take place from December 27 to December 30. Other postponed matches in the Saudi Pro League include Al-Riyadh vs. Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Shabab, now moved to December, while Al-Nassr's match against Al-Ahli has been rescheduled for March.
On Monday, Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Al-Nassr in an AFC Champions League match that was delayed by an hour due to a missile alert. Meanwhile, the Asian Tour has announced it is closely monitoring the situation in the country as it prepares for the PIF Saudi International, scheduled for November 18-21 at the Riyadh Golf Club.