In a stunning upset, tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas' highly anticipated debut at the Six Kings Slam ended abruptly after a swift defeat by Jannik Sinner. But was it a predictable outcome?
Tsitsipas, a late replacement for the injured Jack Draper, had a lot to prove after a challenging 2025 season. With a world ranking of 27, he was the underdog, but a recent win against Sinner fueled hopes for a statement performance.
However, Sinner dominated the match, securing a 6-2, 6-3 victory in just 76 minutes. Tsitsipas, despite his best efforts, couldn't find his rhythm and was outplayed by the world number two. But here's where it gets intriguing: Tsitsipas' swift exit raises questions about his form and the impact of his recent 'physical issue'.
In a gracious post-match tweet, Tsitsipas acknowledged Sinner's stellar performance and thanked the city of Riyadh for their warm welcome. And this is the part most people miss: despite the loss, Tsitsipas earned a staggering $1.5 million for his brief appearance, highlighting the lucrative nature of exhibition events.
While Sinner claimed money wasn't his primary motivation, the substantial prize money undoubtedly attracts top players. Tsitsipas' earnings equate to an astonishing $19,736 per minute and over $300 per second on court. A controversial detail: this is more than he earned for reaching the 2023 Australian Open final!
Despite the disappointment, Tsitsipas' focus now shifts to the Vienna Open. With the Six Kings Slam behind him, can he regain his form and make a late-season surge? What do you think? Is Tsitsipas' recent performance a cause for concern, or just a minor blip?
