Saudi Arabia has rapidly become one of the most important stops on the global tennis calendar. From the record-breaking Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh to hosting the WTA Finals and the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, the Kingdom now stages world-class tennis events across multiple months of the year. Whether you are planning a trip around the Saudi Arabia travel guide or specifically chasing courtside seats, this guide covers every major tennis tournament in the country, how to get tickets, where each event takes place, and how to plan your visit around match schedules. With a new ATP Masters 1000 event confirmed from 2028, the Kingdom’s commitment to professional tennis is only accelerating.
Best Time to Visit: October–December (Six Kings Slam, WTA Finals, Next Gen Finals all fall in this window)
Getting There: Fly into Riyadh (RUH) for the Six Kings Slam and WTA Finals; Jeddah (JED) for the Next Gen ATP Finals
Visa Required: Yes — tourist e-visa available for 63 nationalities
Budget: $150–$400/day depending on ticket tier and hotel choice
Must-See: Six Kings Slam at ANB Arena, WTA Finals at King Saud University Arena
Avoid: Waiting too long to buy tickets — premium seats for the Six Kings Slam and WTA Finals sell out within days of release
The Six Kings Slam: The Richest Exhibition in Tennis History
The Six Kings Slam is the headline tennis event in Saudi Arabia and the richest exhibition tournament in the sport’s history. Launched in October 2024 as part of Riyadh Season, the event brings six of the world’s top men’s tennis players together for a fast-paced, knockout-style competition played over three match days at the ANB Arena in Riyadh.
Prize Money and Format
Each of the six participants receives a guaranteed appearance fee of US$1.5 million, with the champion earning a total of US$6 million — more than any ATP or WTA event, including all four Grand Slams. The format pairs four players in quarter-final matches on Day 1, while the two top-seeded players receive byes directly into the semi-finals on Day 2. The final takes place on Day 3, with a rest day in between to comply with ATP rules prohibiting players from competing on three consecutive days in an exhibition.
2024 Inaugural Edition
The first Six Kings Slam took place on 16, 17 and 19 October 2024. The field included Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune. Sinner won the title with a comeback victory over Alcaraz, 6–7(5), 6–3, 6–3, claiming the largest single prize cheque in tennis history. The third-place match was the final career meeting between Djokovic and Nadal — Djokovic won 6–2, 7–6(5) — with Nadal presented a life-size replica solid gold racket in honour of his career ahead of his retirement at the Davis Cup the following month.
2025 Second Edition
The 2025 Six Kings Slam was held on 15, 16 and 18 October 2025. Sinner successfully defended his crown, defeating World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz 6–2, 6–4 in the final. The 2025 lineup featured Sinner, Alcaraz, Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz and Stefanos Tsitsipas — representing more than 30 Grand Slam singles titles combined.
Tip: The Six Kings Slam typically takes place during the third week of October. If you are planning a broader Saudi trip, this lines up perfectly with the start of pleasant autumn weather in Riyadh, when daytime temperatures drop to a comfortable 33–35°C.
ANB Arena: The Six Kings Slam Venue
The Six Kings Slam is played at the ANB Arena (formerly known as “The Venue”), an 8,000-seat purpose-built indoor arena located in the Hittin district of Riyadh, next to Kingdom Arena and Boulevard World. Originally constructed in just 50 days for Riyadh Season, the venue was renamed after a naming-rights deal with Arab National Bank. It hosts tennis exhibitions, major boxing nights and entertainment shows year-round. The arena features state-of-the-art lighting, flexible stage design and an intimate bowl layout that puts spectators close to the action.
Getting there: ANB Arena is in the Hittin neighbourhood, approximately 20 minutes by car from central Riyadh. Ride-hailing apps Uber and Careem operate throughout the city. If you are flying in, consult the King Khalid International Airport guide for terminal and transfer information.
WTA Finals Riyadh: The Best Women’s Tennis in the World
Riyadh was selected as the host city for the WTA Finals from 2024 through 2026, making Saudi Arabia the home of women’s tennis’s season-ending championship for three consecutive years. The tournament brings together the top eight singles players and top eight doubles teams for a round-robin competition each November.
Venue: King Saud University Indoor Arena
The WTA Finals are played at the King Saud University Indoor Arena, a 9,400-seat multi-purpose venue on the King Saud University campus in western Riyadh. For the WTA Finals, the arena features a meticulously crafted centre court with a wooden base layered in acrylic to provide an optimal hard-court playing surface, plus three full-size practice courts. The arena was purpose-fitted for world-class tennis and offers excellent sightlines from every section.
2024 Results
Coco Gauff won the inaugural Riyadh edition of the WTA Finals, defeating Zheng Qinwen 3–6, 6–4, 7–6(2) in a three-set final. In doubles, Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe took the title. The tournament ran from 2–9 November 2024.
2025 Results
Elena Rybakina claimed the 2025 WTA Finals title, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6–3, 7–6(0) in the final on 8 November 2025. The total prize pool stood at a record US$15.5 million.
2026 WTA Finals
The third and final year of Riyadh’s hosting deal is confirmed for 7–14 November 2026 at the King Saud University Indoor Arena. Prize money is expected to increase again beyond the 2025 figure. Tickets are typically released through the official WTA website and local platform Webook.com in the months leading up to the event.
Tip: November in Saudi Arabia is one of the best months for visitors. Temperatures in Riyadh hover around 25–28°C during the day, making it ideal for combining the WTA Finals with sightseeing in the capital.
Next Gen ATP Finals: Rising Stars in Jeddah
Since 2023, the Next Gen ATP Finals have been held in Jeddah, bringing the top eight men’s players aged 21 and under to Saudi Arabia each December. This is the ATP’s youth championship — a showcase for the next generation of stars, played with an innovative short-set format.
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City
The Next Gen ATP Finals are staged at King Abdullah Sports City, a major multi-sport complex located 30 km north of central Jeddah. The complex includes a 62,000-seat main stadium and a 10,000-seat indoor sports hall that is reconfigured for tennis. The venue is about 20 minutes from King Abdulaziz International Airport — see the Jeddah airport guide for arrival details.
Format
The Next Gen ATP Finals use a distinctive format: matches are best-of-five sets, but each set is first to four games (with a tiebreak at 3–3). Eight players are divided into two round-robin groups, with the top two from each advancing to the semi-finals. The compressed format produces faster, more intense tennis that rewards attacking play.
2025 Edition
The 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals Presented by PIF ran from 17–21 December 2025. Learner Tien won the title, defeating Alexander Blockx 4–3(4), 4–2, 4–1 in the final. The total prize pool was approximately US$2.1 million.
Jeddah bonus: If you fly in for the Next Gen Finals in December, you are in the perfect position to explore the Jeddah Corniche Circuit area, the historic Al-Balad district, and the Red Sea coast. December weather in Jeddah is warm but pleasant, around 25–28°C.
ATP Masters 1000: Saudi Arabia Joins the Elite Calendar from 2028
In a landmark deal announced in late 2025, SURJ Sports Investment — the sports investment arm of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) — partnered with the ATP to bring a new Masters 1000 tournament to the Kingdom. This is the first expansion of the Masters 1000 category in the ATP Tour’s 35-year history, adding Saudi Arabia as the tenth host alongside Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Toronto/Montreal, Cincinnati, Shanghai and Paris.
What We Know So Far
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Start year | Potentially from 2028 |
| Draw size | 56-player singles main draw |
| Duration | Single week |
| Mandatory? | No — voluntary for players |
| Calendar slot | Expected February (to fit with existing Middle East swing) |
| Venue | To be announced |
| Prize money | To be announced (Masters 1000 events typically offer $5–10M+) |
The ATP Masters 1000 will be the first ranking tournament held in Saudi Arabia, distinguishing it from the existing exhibition events (Six Kings Slam, Diriyah Tennis Cup). This means ATP ranking points will be at stake, attracting the full depth of the men’s tour rather than an invitation-only field.
Diriyah Tennis Cup: Exhibition Tennis at a UNESCO Site
The Diriyah Tennis Cup is a men’s exhibition event staged at the historic Diriyah Arena, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif — the birthplace of the first Saudi state. The tournament debuted in December 2019, when Daniil Medvedev beat Fabio Fognini 6–2, 6–2 in the final. A second edition took place in December 2022, with Taylor Fritz defeating Medvedev 2–0 in the final. The 2022 prize pool totalled US$3 million.
The Diriyah Tennis Cup uses a 12-player knockout draw: the four highest-ranked players receive first-round byes into the quarter-finals, while the remaining eight compete in the opening round. The outdoor hard-court setting against the backdrop of Diriyah’s mud-brick fortifications gives the event a unique atmosphere. Diriyah is a short drive from central Riyadh and can be combined with a visit to explore the best day trips from Riyadh, including the At-Turaif district itself.
Complete Saudi Arabia Tennis Calendar
Here is the full annual schedule for tennis events in Saudi Arabia, based on the most recent confirmed dates:
| Event | Typical Month | City | Venue | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATP Masters 1000 (from 2028) | February (expected) | TBA | TBA | ATP ranking event |
| Six Kings Slam | October | Riyadh | ANB Arena | Exhibition |
| WTA Finals (through 2026) | November | Riyadh | KSU Indoor Arena | WTA season-ending |
| Next Gen ATP Finals | December | Jeddah | King Abdullah Sports City | ATP youth finals |
| Diriyah Tennis Cup | December (irregular) | Riyadh/Diriyah | Diriyah Arena | Exhibition |
How to Buy Tickets
Ticketing for Saudi tennis events is handled through several platforms depending on the tournament:
- Six Kings Slam: Tickets are sold through Webook.com, the official Riyadh Season ticketing platform. Based on previous editions, early-round seats start around US$50–$200, with semi-final and final tickets ranging from $200–$1,000+. VIP and hospitality packages typically exceed $1,000.
- WTA Finals: Tickets are available through the official WTA website and Webook.com. Pricing tiers range from baseline lower bowl to premium hospitality lounges. Semi-finals and the final sell out fastest.
- Next Gen ATP Finals: Tickets are sold through Platinumlist.net and the official Next Gen ATP Finals website.
- October: Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, then fly to AlUla for Hegra and Elephant Rock
- November: WTA Finals in Riyadh, with day trips to the Edge of the World or Diriyah
- December: Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, combined with Red Sea diving or a trip to Abha and the Asir highlands
- Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 — The complete guide to visiting the Kingdom
- Riyadh Season Month-by-Month Calendar — Full events calendar for the capital’s entertainment season
- Boxing in Saudi Arabia — Upcoming fights and how to get tickets
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix — Fan guide to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit
- Padel Tennis in Saudi Arabia — Courts, clubs and the fastest-growing racquet sport in the Kingdom
- Saudi Arabia Visa Guide — Every visa type explained
Warning: Premium seats for the Six Kings Slam and WTA Finals can sell out within days of going on sale. Set alerts on Webook.com and the official tournament websites to be notified the moment tickets drop. Avoid unofficial resellers — counterfeit tickets have been reported at major Riyadh Season events.
Planning Your Tennis Trip to Saudi Arabia
Visa and Entry
Citizens of 63 countries can obtain a Saudi tourist e-visa online in minutes, valid for one year with multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days. The e-visa covers attendance at all sporting events. GCC nationals do not require a visa.
Where to Stay
For Riyadh events (Six Kings Slam, WTA Finals), the best hotel options are in the Hittin, Olaya and King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) areas, all within 15–25 minutes of both venues. Budget travellers can find options from $80–$120/night, while luxury hotels such as the Four Seasons Riyadh and Ritz-Carlton Riyadh start from $300+/night. Check the Saudi Arabia hotels guide for recommendations.
For Jeddah events (Next Gen ATP Finals), hotels along the Corniche or in the Al Hamra district offer the best access to King Abdullah Sports City and to Jeddah’s coastal attractions.
Getting Around
Riyadh’s metro system (opened late 2024) now connects key parts of the city, though ride-hailing via Uber or Careem remains the most convenient option for reaching event venues. In Jeddah, taxis and ride-hailing apps are the primary transport options. Both cities are well-connected by domestic flights on Saudia and flynas if you want to attend events in both Riyadh and Jeddah.
Combining Tennis with Sightseeing
The October–December tennis season overlaps perfectly with the best weather window for exploring Saudi Arabia. Consider building a multi-stop itinerary:
The PIF Investment: Why Saudi Arabia Is All-In on Tennis
Saudi Arabia’s tennis push is driven by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) through its sports subsidiary SURJ Sports Investment. The strategy is part of Vision 2030’s broader goal to diversify the economy away from oil and position the Kingdom as a global entertainment and tourism destination. PIF’s tennis portfolio now includes title sponsorship of the Next Gen ATP Finals, the WTA Finals hosting deal, the Six Kings Slam, and the incoming ATP Masters 1000 event.
The investment has already reshaped the professional tennis calendar. The WTA Finals deal alone was worth a reported US$600 million over three years, dwarfing previous host-city bids. Combined with the LIV Golf investment, Formula 1 in Jeddah, Formula E in Riyadh, and boxing mega-fights, tennis forms one pillar of a comprehensive sports tourism strategy.
What to Expect Courtside
Atmosphere
Saudi tennis events are organised to premium entertainment standards. Expect concert-style production values — dramatic lighting, pyrotechnics for player entrances, live music between matches and celebrity appearances. The Six Kings Slam in particular is designed as a spectacle rather than a conventional tournament, with a party atmosphere that differs significantly from Grand Slam tennis.
Dress Code and Etiquette
There is no strict formal dress code for tennis events, but smart casual is the norm for premium and courtside seats. Saudi Arabia’s dress standards are more relaxed than many visitors expect — shorts and t-shirts are fine in general seating areas. Women are not required to wear an abaya at sporting events. Alcohol is not served at venues, but food and beverage options are extensive. Check the Saudi packing list for guidance on what to wear.
Food and Drink
Both ANB Arena and King Saud University Arena offer a range of food stalls and concession stands. Riyadh Season events in particular feature pop-up restaurants and international food trucks around the venue perimeter. Halal food is standard throughout Saudi Arabia.