Djokovic praises Saudi Arabia’s ‘love affair’ with tennis

RIYADH: Novak Djokovic believes Saudi Arabia’s “love affair” with tennis has the potential to grow the game in the region and globally.

Speaking with Arab News during the Six Kings Slam event currently underway in Riyadh, the 24-time Grand Slam winner reflected on how this type of tournament could inspire the next generation of players.

“We hope to attract attention from the younger audience ... so kids get inspired to grab a tennis racket and start playing,” he said during the Riyadh Season event which started on Wednesday and ends on Oct. 19.

The event is a part of Saudi Arabia’s larger ambition, under its Vision 2030 initiative, to become a key player in the global sports world, having already hosted high-profile events in football, Formula 1, boxing and mixed martial arts.

Djokovic underscored the importance of live events in creating a lasting impact, especially in regions where tennis is still emerging.

The Six Kings Slam also features Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal, but for Djokovic it is more than just playing matches.

Djokovic views this as a critical moment, where top athletes like himself play a role in building a foundation for tennis in the Middle East. “The Kingdom is hosting some of the greatest sporting events in recent years, and tennis is part of that rise,” he said.

With legends including Nadal nearing the end of their careers and Roger Federer already retired, tennis is in the midst of a generational transition. As one of the sport’s enduring stars, Djokovic sees this as a pivotal period for the next wave of talent.

“The younger players like (20-year-old) Alcaraz and Sinner are already forming exciting rivalries.”

However, Djokovic is not stepping aside just yet. “I’m still fighting to be in the mix,” he added, acknowledging the fierce competition from the likes of Medvedev, Rune, and others.

He said these younger players bring skill and dynamic personalities that keep fans engaged. “The sport needs characters off the court, too,” he emphasized.

The Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, offering record-breaking prize money of $6 million for the winner, represents Saudi Arabia’s bold attempt to further embed itself into the global sports conversation.

Yet for Djokovic, the real victory lies in the sport’s long-term growth. “Tennis is bigger than any one player or generation. It’s about inspiring the next,” he said.

He added: “We all are ambassadors of this sport and we all are in love with this sport that is bigger than anybody. So, you know, of course we want to see it grow. We want to see it develop.

“And, you know, the Kingdom is in love with tennis, having a little love affair. I mean, last year, I played with Alcaraz here in Riyadh for the Riyadh Season. And now we have the Six Kings Slam, which is very promising.”