Retiring Rafael Nadal is in line for a £4.6million pay out if he can win just two matches this week as Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund sinks its tentacles deeper into tennis with an exhibition that carries the biggest prize purse in the sport's history.
The Six Kings Slam gets underway in Riyadh on Wednesday with Nadal, the 22-time grand slam winner who is calling an end to one of the game's greatest careers next month, joining Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune in a three-day event.
The winner will make double the amount that goes to the Wimbledon champion.
While the ATP will not grant any ranking points because it is an unsanctioned event, the six players will be guaranteed £1.15m for merely turning up and Nadal and Djokovic have been given byes directly into the semi-finals.
READ MORE:
READ MORE:
World No1 Sinner takes on Medvedev today before Alcaraz meets Rune with the former taking on Djokovic and the latter Nadal in semi-finals.
The Spain superstar, 38, has confirmed he will hang up his racket after playing in next month's Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
"I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis,” the King of Clay said in a video announcing his retirement.
"The reality is that it has been some difficult years, the last two especially. I don't think I have been able to play without limitations."
Nadal, who has not played since teaming up with Alcaraz in the doubles at the Paris Olympics, signed a multi-million pound deal to become an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation earlier this year and PIF have agreed partnerships with both the ATP and WTA.
Riyadh is also set to host the WTA Finals, the season-ending championships for which Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are among the players who have already qualified.
This week's exhibition is part of the Riyadh Season programme that also featured ' heavyweight defeat of at Wembley in September.
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our
You may also like
'Dance of death': Bengal governor on Mamata govt's Durga Puja carnival amid doctors' protest
Jharkhand's Healthcare Crisis: Pregnant Woman Gives Birth Outside Hospital, Sparking Outrage
Typhus: Know All About The Silent Killer That's Spreading Fast
Indian Navy is biggest guarantee of peace in Indian Ocean Region, says Rajnath Singh
Abu Dhabi: Free breast cancer screening announced across multiple locations
Denmark Open: Sindhu enters second round; Treesa-Gayatri, Sumeeth-Sikki exit
How is the Sokudo Acute electric scooter? Know what features it has and what is its range
Marks & Spencer shoppers plead for more colours of 'incredibly comfy and warm' funnel neck jumper
Japan sees record foreign tourist arrivals in September
The secret of bumper mileage and strong handling of Maruti cars is revealed!
Eight shocking celebrity moments caught on camera from TV star's 'refusal to clap' to smooch
Dubai school among world's top 150 private institutions in 2024
Drunk Elephant moisturiser that 'helps with redness' and is 'perfect for winter' hits sale with £20 off
Maruti Baleno's Regal Edition is here to make a splash before Diwali, customers will go crazy on seeing it
Russian general threatens invasion of NATO countries and 'restoration' of Soviet Union
Thomas Tuchel net worth, huge England salary and big financial sacrifice
Celebrity chef Shabir Hussain - dubbed the 'King of Curry' -dies aged 56
Your car will start giving 20 to 30 percent more mileage, just do these important settings while driving
Mumbai's Iconic Rhythm House Located At Kala Ghoda Gets New Owner Under Insolvency Auction
Debenhams' 'easy to wear' and 'flattering' autumn dress is perfect with boots