Carlos Alcaraz is the current World No. 1 as per latest rankings | Image Credit: IMAGO / Independent Photo Agency Int.
In the clash between Alcaraz and Fritz, it was hard to separate the two superstars early on. The former stood firm on his ground, while Fritz surprised his opponent with occasional drop shots and lofted returns. The Spaniard outplayed Fritz in the fifth game, earning one break point, which he eventually converted to draw first blood and take a 3-2 lead.
The reigning French Open and US Open champion quickly held his serve and ensured Fritz never found a way back into the set. Alcaraz could have sealed it in the ninth game if not for some strong resistance from Fritz. Eventually, he closed out the set 6-4 with confidence.
Alcaraz was slightly scratchy in the fourth game of the second set, hitting a few balls into the net and conceding a break point in the process. However, he recovered with an ace to restore parity at 2-2, preventing Fritz from gaining momentum.
Things worsened for the American when Alcaraz broke again in the following game after an intense rally, finishing with a precise drop shot. Fritz struggled to keep two forehands in play in the seventh game, making it easier for Alcaraz to take control. The Spaniard stuck to the basics and sealed the second set 6-4.
Alcaraz was visibly pleased with his performance and said he was happy to entertain the crowd with his powerful and creative play. When asked about the secret behind his shot power, he credited his training and fitness regime.
“Yes, I am happy with my game. I pulled off great serves, which was one of my main goals — to try to entertain the fans and make people happy. With the noise from the crowd, I think I achieved that,” said Alcaraz after the match.
“When the ball is coming, sometimes I try to hit as hard as I can and see if it’s going to be in or not. It’s all about the training — doing the weights to be able to hit those forehands. It’s a mix of touch and power,” added the World No. 1.
Alcaraz has enjoyed a stellar year so far, winning both the French Open and US Open and holding the top world ranking. However, he said his French Open final win over Jannik Sinner remains his best moment of 2025 so far.
“I’ve had good moments on and off the court — it’s been my best year so far, and I’ve enjoyed it so much. If I had to choose one moment, it’s difficult, but winning Roland Garros was special. Also, winning the Monte Carlo Masters after losing in Miami was important — it showed I could come back mentally and physically,” quipped Alcaraz.
Novak Djokovic (left) and Jannik Sinner pose ahead of their Six King Slam match | Image Credit: IMAGO / Independent Photo Agency Int.
Novak Djokovic brought all his experience to the court, testing Jannik Sinner’s flexibility to the fullest. Unshaken by the challenge, Sinner responded with equally powerful returns and gained an early advantage by breaking Djokovic’s serve. Both players were solid on serve, but Sinner’s early break proved decisive as he wrapped up the first set 6-4.
Sinner looked eager to finish the job, earning a break point in the very first game of the second set. He broke again in the fifth game, taking full control of the match against the 24-time Grand Slam winner.
Djokovic appeared disappointed but was gracious in defeat, smiling through his post-match interview. He admitted feeling bad for not giving the crowd a longer contest and acknowledged the growing challenge of facing younger rivals like Sinner and Alcaraz.
“Thank you for coming in such great numbers — today, yesterday, and during last year’s Six Kings Slam as well. Riyadh, you really love tennis, and we love you too. I’m sorry you couldn’t see a longer match today, but it’s his (Sinner’s) fault, not mine,” Djokovic joked.
“I tried to intimidate him in the last game at 0-15, but it didn’t work. He was like a runaway train, smacking the ball from all corners while I tried to hang in there. He was too good — well done to him, and I wish him luck in the final.”
“I still have the drive, but it’s getting more difficult to get wins against Sinner and Alcaraz. Still, I’ll keep challenging them until it happens,” he added.
The two most dominant tennis players in the world right now — Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz — will face each other in the final of the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh on Saturday. The duo has already met in three of the four Grand Slam finals this year, setting up yet another epic showdown.
