Saudi Arabia Postpones Major Tennis Tournament Amidst Houthi Attacks and Logistical Challenges

An exhibition tennis tournament featuring some of the world's top male players, including Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, has been postponed by two months in Saudi Arabia. Organizers cited "organisational and logistical challenges" for the delay of the Six Kings Slam, which was originally scheduled to take place from October 21-24.

The announcement follows a series of postponements in Saudi sports, including three Saudi Pro League fixtures. Cristiano Ronaldo's team, Al-Nassr, was among those affected, with matches rescheduled due to "logistical considerations, taking into account the mandatory minimum rest period between matches."

The Six Kings Slam, now slated for December 27-30, will feature stars such as Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Learner Tien, and Alex de Minaur. The event was set to be streamed live by Netflix.

Turki al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), confirmed the new dates on X, sharing a statement from the Riyadh Season entertainment programme.

Earlier on Wednesday, three Saudi Pro League matches involving Riyadh-based teams were rescheduled. The game between league leaders Al Hilal and Al Riyadh, and the match between Al Ittihad and Al Shabab, are now set for December 19. The fixture between Al Ahli and Al-Nassr has been moved to March 6, 2027. Other Week 9 fixtures will proceed as planned.

This series of postponements comes after al-Sheikh assured that the world title boxing fight between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Christian M’billi would proceed on October 31 in Riyadh, despite ongoing attacks by Yemen’s Houthis. Al-Sheikh stated that Alvarez was committed to fighting in Riyadh regardless of the circumstances.

On Monday, an Al-Nassr AFC Champions League match against Neftchi Fergana in Riyadh was delayed by an hour after a missile fired by the Houthis towards the Saudi capital was intercepted.

Saudi Arabia has experienced disruptions to its sporting calendar since late February. The Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, originally scheduled for April, was cancelled. Additionally, the WTA Finals, initially planned for Riyadh next month, have been relocated to Indian Wells in the US.