Holger Rune shares his honest thoughts on the Six Kings Slam as he reveals what Novak Djokovic was like at the event
Holger Rune has lifted the lid on the recent Six Kings Slam event, which took place in Riyadh earlier this month.
Jannik Sinner says he didn’t play the Six Kings Slam for the money, even though $6million went his way after he won the title.
The world number one overcame Carlos Alcaraz in the final, having beaten Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively.
Medvedev earned $1.5million for his appearance, with the Russian playing just 68 minutes before his early exit.
Rune also suffered an early exit, with the Dane having been knocked out by Six Kings Slam runner-up Alcaraz in the quarter-finals.
Holger Rune shares his honest thoughts on the Six Kings Slam
But the world number 13 still thoroughly enjoyed the experience, having been in Saudi Arabia with some of the world’s best players.
“That was a very, very interesting experience,” he told Tennis Channel. “That was really, really fun actually, I think for us to get the chance to play each other in such a small event.
“I only played one match unfortunately, against Carlos, but just to practise with the guys all week, and also spending time with them a little bit off the court, there were some activities, it was fun to… I know all of them, but to get to know them a bit closer. It was cool.”
Holger Rune says what Novak Djokovic was like at the Six Kings Slam
Rising talents and tennis veterans were involved in the Six Kings Slam, with Rafael Nadal and Djokovic in the latter category.
Both entered the event in the semi-finals, with Djokovic then beating Nadal in the third-place playoff after they lost their opening matches to Sinner and Alcaraz respectively.
But unlike other tournaments, camaraderie was in the air among the six players, with Rune revealing the inspiration behind their group photo in Riyadh.
“Actually it was Novak’s idea,” he explained. “He had a lot of interesting ideas that evening, some dancing and everything, it was cool.
“But I think the idea of taking that picture all together was brilliant. First it was kind of a funny picture and then tried to be more serious, but it was good.
“As I said, spending time together, and Novak, it was his idea and he’s always bringing out some fun stuff.”
