RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA:The massive financial incentives of the recent Six King Slam exhibition in Riyadh have stunned players, with American tennis star Jessica Pegula calling the guaranteed $1.5 million appearance fees “insane.”
Speaking on her podcast alongside co-host and fellow player Jennifer Brady, Pegula expressed her amazement at the figures offered at the ANB Arena event, stating, “The prize money is insane – $1.5 million for showing up.”
The high-profile exhibition, held earlier this month in Saudi Arabia, drew some of the sport’s biggest names, including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, who replaced the injured Jack Draper. The winner of the event reportedly collected a staggering $6 million payout.
Pegula’s comments highlight the ongoing debate over the rising financial power of events outside the traditional ATP and WTA tours, especially those funded by Saudi Arabia, which offer no ranking points but provide immense financial rewards.
However, her co-host, Brady, saw the lucrative offer as an irresistible opportunity. “Winner gets $6 million, $1.5 million to just show up, I don’t think I’d say no!” Brady remarked, reflecting a viewpoint that these non-tour events are simply too good to decline.
- Latest
- Trending
