Jannik Sinner will face rival Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the big-money Six Kings Slam exhibition after winning his latest meeting with Novak Djokovic to extend his winning run against the 24-time grand slam champion.
With Sinner winning his last six matches against Djokovic, including in the French Open and Wimbledon semi-finals this season, the Italian produced another dominant performance. “Excuse my language, but it's never nice when somebody kicks your ass like this on the court,” Djokovic said after Sinner cruised to an emphatic 6-4 6-2 victory.
Earlier, Alcaraz made his first appearance since withdrawing from the Shanghai Masters due to an ankle injury, with the World No 1 also finding sensational form as he defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-2 behind a stunning array of shots.
The six-player event is taking place across three days in Riyadh with every player earning a $1.5m appearance fee and a massive $4.5m going to the overall winner.
Every match is streamed live on Netflix and last year’s final saw Sinner beat Alcaraz to become the inaugural Six Kings Slam champion, so the Italian will be keen to retain his crown in Riyadh on Saturday.
Follow coverage of the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh with our live blog below:
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Six Kings Slam semi-finals - live updates
- The Six Kings Slam, tennis's biggest-money exhibition event, continues in Saudi Arabia | Live on Netflix
- Ruthless Jannik Sinner thrashes Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-2 in semi-finals
- Carlos Alcaraz defeats Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-2 to advance to Saturday's final
- Sinner and Alcaraz to face off in Saturday's final, following third-place match
- Djokovic sums up latest defeat to Sinner: ‘He kicked my ass’
Jannik Sinner on his victory over Novak Djokovic
08:00
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Jamie Braidwood
“You know, I think he said everything, no. He's such a great role model for especially us, the younger generation. Seeing him competing, seeing him practice and training for these moments.
“It’s amazing. What he has achieved in his career, it's incredible and you know I see him as a real idol. To play against him is such a huge honor and and privilege.
“So, obviously, you know, I'm happy about today, but I'm also happy to see him around.”
How the Six Kings Slam prize money compares to grand slam tournaments
07:00
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Jamie Braidwood
The Six Kings Slam champion will win a reported $6m (£4.5m) in prize money this week. That makes the exhibition the biggest prize in tennis, and above the four grand slams. Carlos Alcaraz recently took home $5m by winning the US Open, but the Six Kings Slam champion will take home more.
Six Kings Slam: $6m (£4.5m)
US Open: $5m (£3.74m)
Wimbledon: $4m (£3m)
French Open: $2.9m (£2.17m)
Australian Open: $2.3m (£1.75m)
Carlos Alcaraz admits ankle injury is not '100 per cent'
06:00
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Jamie Braidwood
Carlos Alcaraz has admitted his ankle is still not “100 per cent”.
The 22-year-old skipped the Shanghai Masters because of the ankle injury he picked up in his opening match in Tokyo.
“Everything’s OK. I’ve been recovering the ankle as much and as good as I can,” Alcaraz told PA before the Six Kings Slam, admitting it hasn’t fully healed.
“I don’t feel, I would say, 100 per cent, the doubts are there thinking about it a little bit when I’m moving on court.
“But I think it improved a lot and I’m going to compete and perform well here in the Six Kings Slam.”
That said, Alcaraz looked pretty great in his 6-4 6-2 victory over Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals.
Djokovic on Sinner's performance: 'He was a runaway train'
05:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
“I'm sorry you couldn't see a longer match today, it's his fault, not my fault!” Djokovic laughed.
“I tried to intimidate him a little bit at that last game with the last 15 points, but it didn't work.
“Look, it felt like a runaway train, you know, he was smacking the ball from all corners.
“I was just trying to, trying to hang in there, but he was just too good, so well done to him and good luck in the finals.”
Novak Djokovic has no plans to retire and wants to play at 40
03:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic has no plans to retire from tennis with the 24-times grand slam winner citing NBA great LeBron James, former NFL player Tom Brady and veteran footballer Cristiano Ronaldo as his inspiration to keep playing.
"Longevity is one of my biggest motivations. I really want to see how far I can go," Djokovic said at the Joy Forum in Riyadh.
"If you see across all the global sports, LeBron James, he's still going strong, he's 40, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tom Brady played till he was 40-something years old.
"I mean, it's unbelievable. They're inspiring me as well. So I want to keep going and that's one of the motivations I have."
Why the Six Kings Slam will be taking a day off on Friday
01:00
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Jamie Braidwood
Since the Six Kings Slam is an exhibition, the event is not allowed to have matches on three consecutive days. There is therefore no play scheduled on Friday and the final will be played on Saturday.
Tsitsipas tips Alcaraz and Sinner to land double figures in grand slams
Friday 17 October 2025 23:55
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Jack Rathborn
“I will not comment on that (how many Grand Slams Alcaraz and Sinner will win) because I’m not good at forecasting,” Tsitsipas said.
“I will just say that we will see Carlos and Jannik win many more Major titles. I’m pretty sure they will both collect over ten major crowns by the end of their careers.”
Jannik Sinner in a great place ahead of Six Kings Slam final
Friday 17 October 2025 22:55
,
Jack Rathborn
Jannik Sinner is feeling great after his second victory in the Six Kings Slam.
Just 24 hours until the final against Carlos Alcaraz.
Tim Henman: 'Carlos Alcaraz is first class'
Friday 17 October 2025 21:55
,
Jack Rathborn
“I spent some time with him at the Laver Cup and I could not have been more impressed with him not only as a player but as a person,” Henman told Tennis365.
“His attitude, his energy, his values on and off the court were absolutely first class. He has really up his level.
“You look at the way Alcaraz’s game has developed and it’s absolutely phenomenal.”
Jannik Sinner looking forward to 'great battle' with Carlos Alcaraz
Friday 17 October 2025 20:55
,
Jamie Braidwood
Just over a month after the US Open final, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will meet again as they play for the $6m overall prize at the Six Kings Slam.
Sinner won the Wimbledon final against Alcaraz in July but his defeat to the Spaniard in New York was his seventh defeat against him in their last eight meetings.
But he said: “I look forward to it every time when we face each other. It’s great for us. it's gonna be a great battle. I will try to be as ready as I can, but it's obviously a huge, huge honour to play against him again.”
Jannik Sinner and IShowSpeed share their favourite parts of Saudi Arabia
Friday 17 October 2025 19:55
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Jack Rathborn
Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner official head-to-head
Friday 17 October 2025 18:55
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Jack Rathborn
- 2025: US Open, final, outdoor hard - Alcaraz wins in four sets
- 2025: Cincinnati Open, final, outdoor hard - Sinner retired
- 2025: Wimbledon, final, outdoor grass - Sinner wins in four sets
- 2025: French Open, final, outdoor clay - Alcaraz wins in five sets
- 2025: Italian Open, final, outdoor clay - Alcaraz wins in two sets
- 2024: China Open, final, outdoor hard - Alcaraz wins in three sets
- 2024: Roland Garros, semi-final, outdoor clay - Alcaraz wins in five sets
- 2024: Indian Wells, semi-final, outdoor hard - Alcaraz wins in three sets
- 2023: China Open, semi-final, outdoor hard - Sinner wins in two sets
- 2023: Miami Open, semi-final, outdoor hard - Sinner wins in three sets
- 2023: Indian Wells, semi-final, outdoor hard - Alcaraz wins in two sets
- 2022: US Open, quarter-final, outdoor hard - Alcaraz wins in five sets
- 2022: Umag, final, outdoor clay - Sinner wins in three sets
- 2022: Wimbledon, round of 16, grass - Sinner wins in four sets
- 2021: Paris Masters, round of 32, indoor hard - Alcaraz wins in two sets
Six Kings Slam schedule and Alcaraz v Sinner start time
Friday 17 October 2025 17:55
,
Jack Rathborn
Saturday October 18
From 5:30pm BST (UK time)
Third place match: Taylor Fritz vs Novak Djokovic
Not before 7:00pm BST (UK time)
Grand Final: Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner
Six Kings Slam prize money
Friday 17 October 2025 16:55
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Jack Rathborn
Participation fee: $1.5m
2025 champion: $4.5m
In comparison, Carlos Alcaraz, as the US Open champion, picked up $5m for his efforts at Flushing Meadows this year.
That would mean a 20 percent raise on his earnings from the fourth slam of the year, should he defeat Jannik Sinner on Saturday.
Alcaraz considers whether tennis fans have seen the best version of himself
Friday 17 October 2025 15:55
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Jack Rathborn
"Yes, what can I say? After the year that I've had, what I think is, like, I'm not in my prime,” Alcaraz said after his win over Taylor Fritz.
“That's what I was saying, there's more and a better Alcaraz to come."
Novak Djokovic 'wants to be part' of tennis's future
Friday 17 October 2025 14:55
,
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic is eager to be a part of his tennis’s evolving future as he explained why he wants to continue playing into his 40s.
"I want to also live to see, live meaning still keep on playing professionally, to see the change that is coming for our sport," he said at the Joy Forum in Riyadh.
"And I'm super excited about it. I feel like tennis is a sport that can be greatly, and will be greatly transformed.
"I want to be part of that change. I want to be not just part of that change, but I want to be playing when we kind of rejuvenate our sport and set the new platform that is going to go on for decades to come."
Carlos Alcaraz playing his 'best tennis' but yet to hit 'prime'
Friday 17 October 2025 13:55
,
Jamie Braidwood
Carlos Alcaraz says he is playing the best tennis of his career but doesn’t believe he has reached his “prime” yet.
The 22-year-old, who has won eight titles this season from ten finals, told Netflix: “What can I say after the year, I'm not in my prime, so I think there's more and a better Carlos to come.
“So far this is the best that I've played in my, in my career, so I can't say another thing about it. I'm just feeling the ball really well. I'm just moving really well. Everything is going in, so I think so far it's the best tennis that I've been playing.”
When is Alcaraz v Sinner final at Six Kings Slam? Schedule and how to watch
Friday 17 October 2025 12:55
,
Jamie Braidwood
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will meet again in the final of the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia. After battles in the finals of Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open this season, the two best players in the world will compete for the $6m overall prize on Saturday.
Djokovic not planning retirement despite tough loss to Sinner
Friday 17 October 2025 12:34
,
Jack Rathborn
"Longevity is one of my biggest motivations. I really want to see how far I can go," Djokovic said at the Joy Forum in Riyadh.
"If you see across all the global sports, LeBron James, he's still going strong, he's 40, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tom Brady played till he was 40-something years old.
"I mean, it's unbelievable. They're inspiring me as well. So I want to keep going and that's one of the motivations I have."
Djokovic on the challenge of competing with Sinner and Alcaraz
Friday 17 October 2025 10:55
,
Jack Rathborn
“It’s always worth it,” Djokovic says when asked about the pain and sacrifice to challenge Alcaraz and Sinner.
“The love for the game and the passion for tennis is there. Excuse my language but it’s never nice when someone kicks your ass like this on the court. But it definitely is amazing that I’m still able to play at a high level. Being top 5, top 10.. it’s a good feeling. I’m trying my best.
“I have the body that I have. I’m grateful for everything God has granted me in my life. It’s been an incredible journey. There is so much to celebrate. I would like if someone could trade a younger body with me.
“Just for a year so I can try to win against these guys. That would be nice jokes aside, I still have the drive. I know it’s becoming much more difficult for me to get a win against Jannik and Carlos. I’m gonna keep on challenging them until it happens.”
Jannik Sinner hits top level in 6-4 6-2 win over Novak Djokovic
Friday 17 October 2025 10:35
,
Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner produced a near-perfect display against Novak Djokovic, firing 27 winner to just five unforced errors, and dropping just eight points on serve throughout the match. The Italian was particularly pleased with his improvements on serve since the US Open.
“Yes, I do feel that way,” Sinner said when asked if it was one of the best serving performances.
“I wish it would be every, every time like this, but no we try to, to work on things, we try to get better as a player,” Sinner added. “You have days where certain or particular things work very well, so obviously today the serve worked really, really well. We all try to improve, so let's see.
“We worked a lot in the past month, we're serving hours and hours. But if this is the result, I'm very happy.”
Jannik Sinner on facing Carlos Alcaraz in Six Kings Slam final
Friday 17 October 2025 10:15
,
Jack Rathborn
“I look forward every time we face each other. It’s great for us. It’s gonna be a great battle.
“’ll try to be as ready as I can. It’s obviously a huge honor to play against him again. I’m looking forward to it. I hope you guys do also. We all hope for a great Saturday night.”
Jannik Sinner sees Novak Djokovic as 'real idol'
Friday 17 October 2025 09:55
,
Jack Rathborn
“No, I think he said everything. Such a great role model for the younger generation,” Sinner says on Novak Djokovic.
“Seeing him competing and practicing and training for these moments is amazing. What he has achieved in his career is incredible.
“I see him as a real idol. To play against him is a huge honor and privilege. I’m happy about today, but I’m also happy to see him in tournaments and see him around.”
Novak Djokovic won't give up trying to beat young rivals
Friday 17 October 2025 09:35
,
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic said Jannik Sinner and World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz were “too good” over best-of-five sets following his semi-final defeat to Alcaraz at last month’s US Open.
But Djokovic fared no better over the shorter format in Riyadh, as Sinner produced a masterclass of serving to thrash the Serbian 6-4 6-2 and set up another final against Alcaraz on Saturday.
The 38-year-old has accepted that Alcaraz and Sinner, who have won the last eight grand slam titles between them, are a level above what he can produce at the age of 38 but said that he would keep trying to find a way to beat them.
‘He kicked my a***’: Novak Djokovic sums up brutal reality after defeat to Jannik Sinner
Friday 17 October 2025 08:55
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Jack Rathborn
Novak Djokovic admitted Jannik Sinner “kicked my arse” after a heavy defeat to the World No 2 in the semi-finals of the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
Sinner had won his last six competitive matches against the 24-time grand slam champion, including straight-sets victories in the semi-finals of Roland Garros and Wimbledon this season.
The 38-year-old Djokovic said Sinner and World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz were “too good” over best-of-five sets following his semi-final defeat to Alcaraz at last month’s US Open.
Jannik Sinner left confused after fan runs onto Six Kings Slam court
Friday 17 October 2025 08:35
,
Jack Rathborn
Jannik Sinner was left confused after a fan rushed onto the Six Kings Slam court to request his jacket before a security guard intervened following his win against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Sinner has since advanced to the final against Carlos Alcaraz after beating Novak Djokovic in the Saudi exhibition tournament.
But as the Italian left the court in Saudi Arabia, a fan approached him, pointing at his Nike jacket in an apparent request to claim it as a souvenir.
Sinner appeared confused and reluctant to offer his top as a gift, though, and a security guard was then seen dragging the supporter away before the tennis star picked up his bag and walked off the court.
Jannik Sinner inspired by Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic
Friday 17 October 2025 08:19
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Jack Rathborn
“For me it’s very important to improve,” Sinner says. “That’s for me the most important. At the end of my career I would love to say I did everything possible to achieve 100% of myself.
“Success will never change me as a person. This is also very important. You need rivalries. You need better players than you. Carlos is an all around player. An incredible talent. We saw this today on court.
“Drop shots.. he can do everything. I look up to these guys. I look up to Novak. I look up to Carlos. To have a point where I can say ‘ok it’s very important for me to improve’…’ This is exactly what motivates me.”
Sinner continues winning streak over Djokovic
Friday 17 October 2025 07:35
,
Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic has still not beaten Sinner since the very end of the 2023 season, with the Italian winning his last eight matches against Djokovic - if you include their two semi-finals at the Six Kings Slam.
“I'm sorry you couldn't see a longer match today, it's his fault, not my fault!” Djokovic told the crowd after his straight-sets defeat to Sinner.
“I tried to intimidate him a little bit at that last game with the 0-15, but it didn't work.
“Look, it felt like a runaway train, you know, he was smacking the ball from all corners.
“I was just trying to, trying to hang in there, but he was just too good, so well done to him and good luck in the finals.”
“I’m sorry you couldn’t see a longer match today. It’s his fault, not my fault. … It felt like a runaway train. He was smacking the ball from all corners. I was just trying to hang in there.”
— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) October 16, 2025
Novak Djokovic showing love to Jannik Sinner ❤️ #SixKingsSlam pic.twitter.com/qcStnxkWXx
Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner head-to-head
Friday 17 October 2025 05:35
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Jamie Braidwood
Sinner’s win in the Wimbledon final ended a run of five consecutive defeats to Alcaraz, and came just five weeks after holding five Championship points against him in the French Open final.
However, Alcaraz then produced a masterclass to beat Sinner in the US Open final, and leads their official head-to-head 10-5 after Sinner also retired from their Cincinnati Open final due to illness.
Sinner’s previous victory over Alcaraz in the Six Kings Slam does not count in the official head-to-head because it was an exhibition match.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to meet in final of Saudi tournament
Friday 17 October 2025 01:35
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Jamie Braidwood
The Six Kings Slam finalists have been revealed after Thursday’s semi-finals.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will face each other in yet another decider after the pair easily navigated their ties in the last-four.
The top-two in the world renew acquaintances on Saturday, and organisers of the exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia will hope for another fine instalment after stellar battles at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and at the US Open earlier this year.
Novak Djokovic to return for third-place match against Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 22:35
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Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic mentioned in his post-match interview how much he is enjoying still competing against the best in the world and he will have another match at the Six Kings Slam against Taylor Fritz in the third-place play-off.
Djokovic has an 11-0 record against Fritz, who will attempt to record his first ever victory against him - even if it won’t count on their official head-to-head. Djokovic beat Fritz in the quarter-finals of the US Open last month, in a superb performance.
Carlos Alcaraz enjoys win over Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 22:15
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Jamie Braidwood
Carlos Alcaraz was also in brilliant form earlier today as he defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-2 on his return from an ankle injury. The 22-year-old said one of his main goals was to play “great shots” and the World No 1 certainly did that, going through his box of tricks with drop shots, running forehand winners, and crushing backhands down the line.
“I pulled off great, great shots today, great points,” Alcaraz said. “This was one of my main goals before coming to this match, trying to, to pull off great shots, great points for the people, trying to entertain them.
“I think that's, that's why we are here just to make the people happy. With the noise from the people, I think they like it, so I'm just really happy about it.”
Jannik Sinner satisfied with the improvements to his serve
Thursday 16 October 2025 21:55
,
Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner lost just eight of the 45 points he played on serve today against Novak Djokovic, with the Italian firing 10 aces and recording an 81 per cent first-serve percentage.
He said after his defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open final that he needed to improve his game and the early results on his serve after hugely encouraging for him. “Yes, I do feel that way,” Sinner said when asked if it was one of the best serving performances.
“I wish it would be every, every time like this, but no we try to, to work on things, we try to get better as a player,” Sinner contined. “You have days where certain or particular things work very well, so obviously today the serve worked really, really well. We all try to improve, so let's see.
“We worked a lot in the past month, we're serving hours and hours. But if this is the result, I'm very happy.”
Djokovic sums up latest defeat to Sinner: ‘He kicked my ass’
Thursday 16 October 2025 21:23
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Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic admitted Jannik Sinner “kicked my ass” after a heavy defeat to the World No 2 in the semi-finals of the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
Sinner had won his last six competitive matches against the 24-time grand slam champion, including straight-sets victories in the semi-finals of Roland Garros and Wimbledon this season.
The 38-year-old Djokovic said Sinner and World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz were “too good” over best-of-five sets following his semi-final defeat to Alcaraz at last month’s US Open.
But Djokovic fared no better over the shorter format in Riyadh, as Sinner produced a masterclass of serving to thrash the Serbian 6-4 6-2 and set up another final against Alcaraz on Saturday.
When is Alcaraz v Sinner final at Six Kings Slam? Schedule and how to watch
Thursday 16 October 2025 21:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will meet again in the final of the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia. After battles in the finals of Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open this season, the two best players in the world will compete for the $6m overall prize on Saturday.
Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-2, with Alcaraz also in imposing form as he rolled through Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-2 in the other semi-final. Alcaraz won his last meeting with Sinner at the US Open final last month, with the Spaniard winning seven of their last eight matches.
'He kicked my ass but I'm trying my best': Novak Djokovic on defeat
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:40
,
Jamie Braidwood
Some pretty entertaining quotes from Novak Djokovic, who has hung around to give a post-match interview despite losing to Jannik Sinner.
“It's always worth it because the love for the game and the passion for tennis is there.
“Excuse my language, but it's never nice when somebody kicks your ass like this on the court. But it’s definitely is amazing that I'm still, you know, being able to play at the high level, being top 10, top 5, it's a good good feeling.
“I'm trying my best, you know, I have the body that I have, I'm grateful for everything that the God has granted me in my life.
“It's been an incredible journey, an amazing career, there's so much to celebrate, but I would like if somebody can trade a younger body with me, that would be nice, just for a year so I can try to keep winning against these guys.
“Jokes aside, I still have the drive, obviously I know that it's it's becoming much more difficult for me to to get a win against Jannik and Carlos particularly, but you know I'm I'm gonna still keep on challenging them and until it happens, let's see.”
He will be back for the third-place match against Taylor Fritz on Saturday.
Sinner continues winning streak over Djokovic
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:38
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Jamie Braidwood
So Djokovic has still not beaten Sinner since the very end of the 2023 season, with the Italian winning his last eight matches against Djokovic - if you include their two semi-finals at the Six Kings Slam.
“It felt like a runaway train”, Djokovic says.
Ruthless Sinner thrashes Djokovic in Six Kings Slam
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:36
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Jamie Braidwood
With Sinner winning his last six matches against Djokovic, including in the French Open and Wimbledon semi-finals this season, the Italian produced another dominant performance to win 6-4 6-2 in the Six Kings Slam semi-finals.
Djokovic admitted that Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz were “too good” over best-of-five sets following his defeat to Alcaraz at last month’s US Open, but he fared no better over the shortened format as Sinner cruised to an emphatic victory.
Sinner’s serve looked pretty unstoppable.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Jannik Sinner 6-4 6-2 Novak Djokovic
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:33
,
Jamie Braidwood
But Djokovic cannot prevent the inevitable, as Sinner lands a massive serve out wide to bring up match point.
Djokovic cannot keep the next return in play. Wow, that was a statement from Sinner. He has taken Djokovic apart.
Novak Djokovic 4-6 2-5 Jannik Sinner*
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:31
,
Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic throws everything he’s got into the opening point and wins a brilliant baseline exchange, returning Sinner’s power with interest and blasting a way t