Six Kings Slam Postponed to December After Airport Attacks

The Six Kings Slam has been moved to late December, days after a series of attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, the deadliest of which killed at least 12 people on 10 October.

Organisers confirmed on 14 October 2026 that the Six Kings Slam has been postponed, with the exhibition pushed from October into the final days of the year. 

This Six Kings Slam postponement is the latest disruption to Saudi Arabia's sporting calendar.

Organisers pointed to logistics.

According to the organisers, the call followed a review of organisational and logistical challenges that could affect fans at the event, and reflects Riyadh Season's commitment to staging events of the highest standard.

Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, confirmed the move on X.

He said the tournament had been pushed back for logistical reasons and would now run from 27 December, sharing the statement from the Riyadh Season entertainment programme.

Neither statement mentioned the attacks on the airport, though the postponement came days after them.

New Six Kings Slam December Dates

The event was originally pencilled in for 21 to 24 October and will now run from 27 to 30 December instead.

That late-December slot is unusual for an exhibition, leaving players who finish in Riyadh roughly 48 hours to reach Australia for the United Cup and pushing the event close to the build-up for the Australian Open in January (here's our guide to Australian Open prize money).

But the Six Kings Slam prize money on offer is still significant for four days of tennis. Last year each player reportedly received a US$1.5 million appearance fee, while Sinner took home US$6 million for taking down the title.

The 2026 field, as announced, features Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Australia's Alex de Minaur and the young American Learner Tien.

Notably absent is Jannik Sinner, who is sidelined with a knee complaint and who won the previous two editions by beating Alcaraz in both finals.

Saudi Arabia's Wider Sporting Fallout

Tennis is only part of the picture.

Golf's Asian Tour has postponed the PIF Saudi International, which was due in Riyadh from 18 to 21 November, and no new date has been set.

The Asian Football Confederation remains open to moving the 2027 Asian Cup to 2028. The tournament is widely seen as a lead-in to the kingdom hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Esports has been hit as well. FIFA has postponed the FIFAe World Cup, its esports series that Saudi Arabia was due to host in Jeddah, after Japan and Brazil withdrew.

Closer to home, Football Australia said its security team was keeping a close watch on the situation.

For now, the Six Kings Slam is set for 27 to 30 December, while the AFC's call on the 2027 Asian Cup is the next major decision still to come.