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Jannik Sinner will return to competition at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia after the tournament was postponed to December over security concerns, organisers said on Monday.
The 25-year-old Italian, champion of the past two events, stated earlier this month he would not play again in 2026 while recovering from a knee problem suffered at Wimbledon in July.
That decision ruled him out of the European indoor hardcourt swing and the ATP Finals in Turin, where he also won the last two titles.
The lucrative non-ATP exhibition in Riyadh was originally set for 21-24 October, but is now scheduled for 27-30 December.
Organisers moved the date after an attack on Riyadh’s international airport by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis killed 13 people.
Security concerns also forced January’s Dakar Rally out of Saudi Arabia, while golf’s Asian Tour postponed the Saudi International indefinitely.
Sinner beat Carlos Alcaraz in both previous finals, earning $6 million each time.
The field also includes Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur. Zverev is guaranteed to finish 2026 as the ATP’s year-end world number one after winning two majors this year while Sinner and Alcaraz have battled fitness issues.
Three weeks ago, Sinner addressed his fans on social media as he confirmed his 2026 season was coming to a premature end.
“Hello everyone, I’d like to give you a little update, me together with the doctors have decided I need a course of treatment for my knee, which means that the 2026 season is officially over,” Sinner told his fans.
“The last couple of years, especially the ending in Turin, gave me so many beautiful feelings and emotions, this year is going to be way different, but at the moment, I also need to think about my long-term career.
“I will do everything possible to get back to 100 per cent, I will thank you already in advance for your support and hope to see you very, very soon on court again. Ciao, Ciao.”
Sinner has won five majors in his career at the age of 25, and only needs the French Open title to complete the career grand slam.
