Saudi Arabia has made waves in the tennis world by organizing the exhibition tournament “6 Kings Slam,” inviting some of the top tennis players of today and luring them with substantial prize money. Each participant is set to receive $1.5 million, while the winner will take home a massive check of $6 million. Among those invited are Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune. The inclusion of Rune, in particular, raised eyebrows, given his underwhelming season, during which he dropped to 14th in the ATP rankings. However, it seems the tournament organizers value his marketability and social media presence, banking on his popularity to help promote the event as intended.
What remains unclear is whether any players declined the invitation, but it has recently come to light that there are some who are opposed to the tournament in Riyadh. One such player is Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud, currently ranked 8th in the world. Ruud has spoken out against the event and hasn’t held back in criticizing both Saudi Arabia and his fellow players who agreed to participate.
“I wasn’t offered a spot in the ‘6 Kings Slam,’ but I have received offers in the past, and my decision was not to go [to Saudi Arabia],” Ruud revealed. “It’s obviously a very controversial country for many reasons, but there are other countries that are also controversial, and we still go there and play tennis.” His comments hinted at more than just the controversies surrounding Saudi Arabia; he seemed to be referencing other Eastern nations with complex human rights records, rather than targeting Western countries where major tournaments are held.
Ruud’s criticism reflects the broader debate in the sports world about Saudi Arabia’s growing involvement in global sports, from football to golf and now tennis. The Kingdom has been accused of “sportswashing”—using sports to improve its global image while diverting attention from its human rights abuses and authoritarian policies. Despite these concerns, many high-profile athletes have been drawn to Saudi Arabia, enticed by the enormous financial rewards on offer.
Ruud, however, has taken a stand. His comments were pointed, and it’s clear that he isn’t comfortable with the idea of playing in a country with such a contentious reputation. Yet, as he acknowledged, Saudi Arabia’s involvement in tennis is likely to grow, with rumors swirling that the Kingdom could host a Masters tournament in the coming years. “It’s inevitable that we will play in Saudi Arabia in the future,” Ruud admitted. “I’ve heard there might be a Masters held there in the coming years.”
This raises the question: Will Ruud stick to his principles and refuse to compete in Saudi Arabia when a mandatory ATP tournament, such as a Masters, is held there? Or will he, like many other athletes, choose to prioritize the professional opportunities that come with playing in such high-stakes events, regardless of the host nation’s political or human rights record?
Ruud’s position is a nuanced one, and his stance against Saudi Arabia is not necessarily black and white. While he has voiced opposition to playing there in exhibition events, his remarks suggest that the economic realities of professional tennis—and the ATP’s increasing willingness to hold events in controversial countries—may leave him with little choice but to participate in the future. “We play in other controversial countries too,” he pointed out, referencing the broader issue of international sports being hosted in nations with questionable human rights practices.
Ruud’s stance comes in the wake of similar concerns raised about other countries, notably China. The tennis world was rocked in late 2021 by the case of Chinese player Peng Shuai, who accused a senior government official of sexual assault. After her accusations, Peng disappeared from the public eye for weeks, sparking global concern for her safety. Although she eventually resurfaced, her situation highlighted the uncomfortable realities of hosting tennis tournaments in countries with authoritarian governments.
The WTA responded by suspending tournaments in China, a bold move in a sport where financial considerations often take precedence over ethical concerns. However, it seems only a matter of time before China returns to hosting major tennis events, given the country’s significance in the global sports market. Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s financial muscle and ambition to become a major player in the global sports scene make it likely that the Kingdom will continue to attract top tennis talent in the future.
For players like Ruud, this presents a dilemma. While it’s easy to turn down exhibition events, which are optional and often viewed as less serious, refusing to play in a mandatory tournament such as a Masters event would be a much tougher decision. Masters tournaments are a crucial part of the ATP calendar, offering significant ranking points and substantial prize money. Skipping one could have serious repercussions for a player’s ranking and career.
Nevertheless, Ruud’s willingness to speak out sets him apart from many of his peers. Few players have been as outspoken in their criticism of Saudi Arabia or other controversial host nations. His comments echo those of other athletes in different sports who have expressed discomfort with competing in countries like Saudi Arabia, China, and Qatar, but who often face pressure to participate due to the lucrative nature of these events.
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in sports, tennis players and other athletes will increasingly find themselves faced with difficult decisions. Do they prioritize their careers and the financial rewards that come with playing in high-profile tournaments, or do they take a stand against the human rights abuses and political issues that often accompany such events?
Casper Ruud’s stance on the “6 Kings Slam” is a reminder that, for some players, the decision isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While many of his peers are happy to chase the big paydays on offer in Saudi Arabia, Ruud has taken a different approach, at least for now. Whether he maintains that stance in the future remains to be seen, particularly if Saudi Arabia’s involvement in tennis continues to grow and events like a potential Masters tournament become a reality.
For now, the spotlight remains on the “6 Kings Slam” and the star-studded lineup that has assembled in Riyadh. With Djokovic, Nadal, Alcaraz, and others vying for the massive prize money on offer, the tournament is sure to attract global attention. But as Ruud’s comments suggest, the excitement surrounding the event is tempered by the broader questions about the role of Saudi Arabia in international sports—and whether players should be more discerning about where they choose to compete.
