Six Kings Slam 2024 Final: Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz
Date: 18 October, 2024
Tournament: Six Kings Slam 2024
Round: Final
Venue: The Venue, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Category: Exhibition
Surface: Hardcourt (Indoor)
Winner Prize Money: $6,000,000
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel, T2 | UK - Sky Sports | Global - DAZN
Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz preview
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are set to renew their rivalry in a highly anticipated final at the inaugural Six Kings Slam on Friday, October 18.
Sinner arrived in Riyadh fresh off his Shanghai Open triumph, where he defeated Novak Djokovic in the final to claim his seventh title of the season. His stellar year, highlighted by Grand Slam triumphs at both the Australian Open and US Open, has seen him secure the year-end World No. 1 ranking for the first time, also making him the first Italian to achieve the milestone.
Sinner kicked off his campaign in Riyadh this week with a dominant 6-0, 6-3 win over Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, he faced Djokovic for the second time in two weeks. While this match was far closer than their Shanghai encounter, Sinner held his nerve in key moments to earn a gritty 6-2, 6-7(0), 6-4 victory, advancing to the final.
Alcaraz has had a relatively quiet second half of the season, aside from his title run in Beijing. He has struggled to emulate the same form that saw him win titles at the French Open, Wimbledon, and Indian Wells, battling with inconsistency and a lack of rhythm.
In Riyadh this week, Alcaraz opened his campaign with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory over Holger Rune in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, he faced compatriot Rafael Nadal and largely controlled the match against an out-of-sorts opponent. Although Nadal had flashes of brilliance, Alcaraz remained in control, securing a 6-3, 6-3 win to book his spot in the final.
Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz head-to-head
Carlos Alcaraz holds a 6-4 lead over Jannik Sinner in their head-to-head matchups, having won their last three encounters. Their most recent meeting came just a few weeks ago in the final of the China Open, where Alcaraz staged an impressive comeback from a set down to seal a 6-7 (6), 6-4, 7-6 (3) victory.
Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz head-to-head
(Odds sourced from Odds Portal)
Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz prediction
Jannik Sinner cruised through his opener in Riyadh but faced a much tougher challenge in his semifinal. His incredible ability to rise to the occasion on key points once again proved vital, helping him over the line. With a remarkable 45-3 record on hard courts this season, including six titles, Sinner will be brimming with confidence as he heads into another title decider.
Carlos Alcaraz, on the other hand, has been in top form throughout the tournament, progressing to the final without dropping a set. His serving, baseline play, and ever-improving net game have been standout features of his run. Despite a mixed hardcourt swing in the latter half of the season, Alcaraz has posted a solid 26-5 record on the surface so far this year.
Alcaraz holds the statistical edge heading into the final, having won their last three meetings, including their only previous indoor hardcourt clash way back at the 2021 Paris Masters. Dismissing Sinner’s chances, however, would be a mistake, given his impressive form this season, particularly on hard courts. He will also be eager to avenge his recent loss to Alcaraz at the Beijing Open.
Pick: Sinner in three sets.