Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are the benchmark of the 2024 tennis season. The pair have clashed three times this season and swept all four Grand Slam titles. Despite his impressive season, Sinner remains driven to find ways to best his rival, famously stating that he “wakes up in the morning trying to understand how to beat” Alcaraz.

Their latest showdown occurred at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh, where the Italian claimed a 6-7(5) 6-3 6-3 victory, securing the championship and taking home a record-breaking $6 million prize. However, Sinner’s comments downplaying the importance of prize money sparked controversy, prompting a candid response from the Spaniard.

Prize Money and Motivation: Alcaraz and Sinner Weigh In

When asked about the role of prize money in his motivations, Sinner maintained (as reported by Tennis365) that financial rewards were not his primary focus.

“No, I don’t play for money,” Sinner remarked. “Of course it’s a nice prize, but for me, I went there because there were, possibly the six best players in the world, and then you can measure yourself with them. It was also my first time in Riyadh. It was for something very nice. Of course, when you come back as a winner, for me it was more that, okay, I played the matches in the right way, and this can hopefully improve me as a player.”

Sinner continued,

“And of course, the money is important, but not that much. I live a good life without it. So I think it’s much more important—the health I have and surrounding myself with great people and the family I have—than the money. It’s just an extra.”

Alcaraz, however, offered a more straightforward take on the issue, acknowledging the financial incentive as part of his motivation.

“Well, I mean, if I say I went there just for fun or to play and forget the money, I’m gonna lie,” Alcaraz stated candidly. “That’s obvious. Every person works for that as well; that’s how life is. You know, I love playing tennis. Most of the time, I don’t think about the money—I just play for love or for fun. But you have to be realistic. You want to earn money, you know, and that’s it. In Arabia, it’s the highest prize money ever in history, so that was a good motivation, at least for me.”

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Debate of Prize Money

The debate about Saudi Arabian prize money has generated strong opinions. Many tennis players believe that they are once again victims of being less privileged compared to the top-tier players, which is why they were not invited to play the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia. The Six Kings Slam comprised six players, including Sinner and Alcaraz. All the participants received $1.5 million, and the winner won $6 million. The winner’s prize money is more than any of the four Grand Slams.

When Sinner’s comments about the prize money came to the surface, the Italian was mocked by many former and current tennis players. One notable name was three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka. The Swiss man put a laughing emoji on his X account about Sinner’s comments about the supposed lack of priority given to the Saudi Arabian prize money.

Former World No.1 Andy Roddick, on his Served Podcast, said that Sinner has made 25% of his overall career prize money in one exhibition event. However, the American refused to blame the World No.1 because of the different time periods.

Interestingly, Rafael Nadal has come to the defense of Saudi Arabia and their heritage regarding tennis. The left-hander said that whether the ‘sportswashing’ of tennis is for the good or bad remains to be seen.

Nadal said on AS,

“What happens is that there comes a certain moment when you can be in one place or another, based on your opinion. I respect all opinions, as long as mine are also respected. Do they pay me to come here? Yes. But we must not lose perspective. You come here and what do you think? Are you doing good or bad? Because the only problem in the end is that you get paid for it. “

Nadal added:

“Because, really, by coming here, you help the country. And those who speak in such a drastic way against the country, very well. Let’s not kid ourselves, people call it sportwashing and of course there is a part of that, but the other part is that really thanks to all of that, people who have been locked up in this country and have not been able to see a different world, thanks to all the tourists who are coming, to all the events that are taking place here throughout the year, see another world, other cultures, and they have the ability to really move forward. So, I don’t have the slightest doubt that the people who come to do events here, from any field, do good for the country.”

The tennis geography is slowly but surely changing from Europe and America to the Middle East. The WTA Finals will be played by Riyadh this year and the Six Kings Slam will only add to the sport’s marketing value.

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Calendar Prize Money for Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in 2024

Statistically, Alcaraz and Sinner have set an impressive benchmark for the ATP Tour. The San Candido native boasts a career win percentage of 76.1%, having won 255 matches and lost 80, while Alcaraz holds a slight edge with a 79.5% win rate, tallying 206 wins to 53 losses.

The prize money totals for the season are also reflective of their stellar performances, with the 23-year-old amassing $12,065,049 and the El Palmar native collecting $8,851,408.

Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – USA TODAY Sports