Andy Roddick calls Jannik Sinner’s earnings at Six Kings Slam ‘sickening’

In a striking commentary on the recent Six Kings Slam exhibition held in Saudi Arabia, former tennis star Andy Roddick expressed his dismay over Jannik Sinner's remarkable earnings. He stated that the Italian player made “more than 25%” of his career prize money within just three days of competition. Roddick’s remarks have sparked discussions about the escalating financial rewards in tennis exhibitions compared to traditional tournaments.

Jannik Sinner's impressive performance at the exhibition earned him a staggering $6 million, setting a record for the largest paycheck in tennis history. The young Italian showcased his talent by defeating top players, including Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals, Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, and Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

This incredible windfall represents nearly half of Sinner's total earnings of $12,032,935 for the entire 2024 season, during which he has already claimed seven ATP titles, including two Grand Slams. Roddick, who earned $20,640,030 during his 12-year career, winning 32 ATP singles titles, including the prestigious 2003 US Open, questioned the integrity of such exhibitions.

On his podcast, “Served with Andy Roddick,” he described the event as “completely unnatural” and “weird,” indicating that he had no interest in participating or watching such spectacles. He remarked, “In all seriousness, I never begrudge anyone their choices. Listen, someone’s going to pay you that amount of money, and you have to go do awkward dancing.”

'It’s easier to pay Sinner $6 million', says Roddick

Reflecting on the nature of modern tennis exhibitions, Roddick pointed out that while the financial incentives are hard to ignore, they come at the expense of the sport’s traditional charm. He compared the Six Kings Slam to more established events like the Laver Cup, which he feels encapsulates a sense of camaraderie among players, stating, “Even the Novak and Rafael Nadal thing… felt like an exhibition but without the charm of a Laver Cup.”

Roddick also acknowledged that the unique financial structure of such events makes it easier for players like Sinner to rake in millions without the logistical burdens typically associated with larger tournaments. “It’s easier to pay Sinner $6 million when you’re not responsible for 122 other players at a given event,” he explained, noting that the exhibition's setup allowed for a streamlined budget focused on marketing rather than operational costs.

In a sardonic tone, Roddick concluded, “It definitely doesn’t make me sick to my stomach that he made more than 25% of my career prize money in three days of exhibition tennis.” His comments reflect a growing concern about the future of tennis and the balance between traditional competition and the allure of lucrative exhibition matches.