Sinner vs Alcaraz LIVE! Six Kings Slam final result after Djokovic beats Nadal

Six Kings Slam LIVE!

Rafael Nadal thanked Novak Djokovic for making him play beyond his limits as the two great rivals faced off for the final time on Saturday night at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia, before the Spaniard ends his spectacular career.

Nadal, who will be retiring from tennis following next month's Davis Cup finals in Malaga, was beaten 6-2 7-6 by Djokovic in the third-place match. "Thank you Novak for everything, for all the moments we shared on court during our careers. It's been an amazing rivalry," said Nadal, whose men's record of winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles was broken by Djokovic.

"In a personal way, you helped me go over my limits during almost 15 years. Without that, I wouldn't be the player I am today. Congratulations for all the titles and amazing career to you and your team. I wish you all the best of luck for the future.” Later in the evening, reigning men’s world No1 Jannik Sinner beat Carlos Alcaraz to scoop the lucrative prize money in Riyadh. Follow reaction from the Six Kings Slam finale live below!

Six Kings Slam tennis latest news

• Djokovic beats retiring Nadal in emotional last-ever meeting

• Sinner then defeats Alcaraz to win lucrative Six Kings Slam

Carlos Alcaraz: Jannik Sinner pushes me to the limit

18:02 , George Flood

Carlos Alcaraz is also anticipating many more epic showdowns with Jannik Sinner on the horizon over the coming decade.

“I hope so,” he said. “I will practice and try as hard as I can to be there. I’m pretty sure he is going to be there.

“I will try to do my best and hopefully this rivalry gets better and better over the years.

“I’m really grateful to have him around on the Tour.

“As I said many times, thanks to him I push myself to the limit to improve and be a better player.

“It has been a pleasure every time I step on court with him. Sometimes it’s tough to find the joy, but it’s great every time I face him.”

Jannik Sinner: I wake up thinking about how to beat Carlos Alcaraz

12:39 , George Flood

As the sun sets on one of tennis’ all-time great rivalries, is another now well underway between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz?

“We try to push ourselves to the limit,” Sinner said last night.

“I wake up in the morning trying to understand how to beat him.

“These kinds of rivalries and players always push us to our 100 per cent limit. I’m very happy about this today.

“We understand each other very well. We travel a lot, we are I would say good friends, not obviously the best of the best.

“We also like to share every time we go on the court, we try to enjoy it. Until now every match was very good level-wise.

“Hopefully this rivalry will last as long as possible, but there are so many other great players who can jump in, which is so exciting.

“Let’s see what is coming in the future, nobody can tell.”

Novak Djokovic: I will cherish Rafael Nadal rivalry forever

10:30 , George Flood

Novak Djokovic has been reacting on social media following an emotional final meeting with soon-to-be retired great rival Rafael Nadal in Riyadh last night.

“The last dance was an epic one. And of course emotional. I’ll cherish our rivalry forever, @rafaelnadal,” he wrote on X.

“Tennis will miss you. As-salamu alaykum, Riyadh. #SixKingsSlam is a special tournament. See you soon.”

Thanks for joining!

Saturday 19 October 2024 23:02 , Jonathan Gorrie

Thanks for joining Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of the Six Kings Slam tennis final.

Find our full report below!

Novak Djokovic claims final win over Rafael Nadal as Jannik Sinner beats Carlos Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 22:35 , Jonathan Gorrie

Novak Djokovic claimed a final win over Rafael Nadal at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh.

The great rivals contested a record 60 competitive clashes during their careers, with Djokovic leading 31-29, but there will be no more after Nadal announced last week he will retire following the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month.

Whether he will play singles there remains to be seen, so this 6-2 7-6 (5) defeat may have been a final hurrah for the 38-year-old.

Read the full story here!

Sinner 6-7 6-3 6-3 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 22:13 , Jonathan Gorrie

Sinner wins the most lucrative event in tennis!

He beats Alcaraz for the first time this year, 6-3 in the final set.

Sinner 6-7 6-3 5-3 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 22:12 , Jonathan Gorrie

Sinner breaks serve after double fault from Alcaraz.

He’s one game away!

Sinner 6-7 6-3 4-3 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 22:05 , Jonathan Gorrie

The Italian holds to inch ever closer to the win...

Sinner 6-7 6-3 3-3 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 22:04 , Jonathan Gorrie

Game for Alcaraz! The deciding set is even again.

Sinner 6-7 6-3 3-2 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 22:00 , Jonathan Gorrie

Sinner takes the lead again, however, closing the game with an ace to take the lead in the set.

Sinner 6-7 6-3 2-2 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 21:58 , Jonathan Gorrie

Great serve from Alcaraz to level the set.

Sinner 6-7 6-3 2-1 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 21:55 , Jonathan Gorrie

Another game for Sinner, holding serve and continuing into lead.

Sinner 6-7 6-3 1-1 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 21:48 , Jonathan Gorrie

Alcaraz wins his first game in five attempts to level it!

Sinner* 6-7 6-3 1-0 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 21:44 , Jonathan Gorrie

Sinner claims the first game of the deciding set.

Sinner 6-7 6-3 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 21:38 , Jonathan Gorrie

Boom! Sinner wins with another break to force the third set.

Sinner 6-7 5-3 *Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 21:34 , Jonathan Gorrie

Sinner holds serve to win the game and is one away from taking the second set!

Sinner 6-7 4-3 *Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 21:32 , Jonathan Gorrie

A fine response from Sinner after another break.

He moves into the lead in the second set.

Sinner 6-7 3-3 *Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 21:27 , Jonathan Gorrie

Big moment as Alcaraz equals the set, recovering his serve.

A shift in momentum?

Sinner 6-7 3-2 *Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 21:23 , Jonathan Gorrie

Alcaraz roars back from 0-40 to win the game.

Sinner 6-7 3-1 *Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 21:19 , Jonathan Gorrie

Sinner keeps his serve easy and moves into a two-game lead.

Sinner 6-7 2-1 *Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 21:11

Sinner claims the third set in classy fashion to offer a response!

Sinner 6-7 1-1 *Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 21:07 , Jamie Dickenson

Sinner routinely holds his serve as he gets off the mark in the second set.

Sinner* 6-7 0-1 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 21:07

Alcaraz begins the second set in exactly the same way he finished the first - by winning the game.

FIRST SET ALCARAZ! Sinner 6-7 (5-7) Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 20:58 , Jamie Dickenson

Alcaraz earns himself a set point in this exhilaratingly tight match, before Sinner hits long to give the Spaniard the first set.

Sinner 6-6 (4-5) *Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 20:56 , Jamie Dickenson

Sumptuous serve and volley play from Alcaraz puts him 5-2 up, but a strong backhand forces him to reply into the net.

Sinner gets back in touch after Alcaraz overhits a forehand.

Sinner 6-6 (2-4)*Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 20:54 , Jamie Dickenson

Sinner hits a ferocious serve to halt Alcaraz, but then slumped a drop shot into the net to give the Spaniard a two-point lead.

Sinner* 6-6 (1-2) Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 20:52 , Jamie Dickenson

Alcaraz and Sinner trade the opening few points of the tie-break before Sinner’s shot is called out after some powerful baseline play from both players.

Sinner* 6-6 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 20:49

Alcaraz blasts into a 40-0 lead thanks to a crosscourt backhand, then Sinner overhits to send us to a tie-break.

Sinner 6-5 *Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 20:45 , Jamie Dickenson

Are we heading for a tie-break here? At deuce Alcaraz hits long and then Sinner blasts a forehand to seal the game.

Sinner* 5-5 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 20:41

Alcaraz prevails after a cracker of a game which was the longest we’ve seen so far this evening by a distance.

The Spaniard took seven and a half minutes to hold his serve against Sinner there.

Sinner 5-4 *Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 20:31 , Jamie Dickenson

Sinner holds his serve as things heat up in this first set. He needed to bounce back and he did at the perfect time.

Sinner* 4-4 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 20:26 , Jamie Dickenson

Alcaraz is back on level terms after winning the last three games. That is an emphatic response from the Spaniard.

Sinner will need to lift his game again to meet Alcaraz’s increased efforts.

Sinner 4-3 *Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 20:23 , Jamie Dickenson

Alcaraz is building some momentum now and breaks Sinner to make it 4-3.

The main in the pink vest looks to be finding his best form.

Sinner* 4-2 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 20:17 , Jamie Dickenson

Alcaraz stands up to the challenge and hits back immediately to make it 4-2 Sinner in this first set.

The Italian missed an easy winner to help Alcaraz, who has to use all his resolve now.

Sinner 4-1 *Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 20:13 , Jamie Dickenson

After an even start, Sinner has now pulled ahead against Alcaraz.

How can Carlos respond?

Sinner* 3-1 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 20:10 , Jamie Dickenson

Sinner makes the first break of the evening here in the fourth game.

He unleashes a big forehand winner to go 0-30 ahead and unlike Alcaraz in the previous game, he manages to break with an attacking forehand winner on the Spaniard’s second serve.

Sinner 2-1 *Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 20:07 , Jamie Dickenson

Alcaraz marches into a 0-30 lead but Sinner uses his serve to get back into the game and goes on to hold his serve.

Sinner* 1-1 Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 20:04 , Jamie Dickenson

Alcaraz battles back to make it 1-1 with some nice net play. It might be a bit derivative to call this clash big server against all-round court player but that’s what we’ve seen so far.

Sinner 1-0 *Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 20:02 , Jamie Dickenson

Sinner is up and running with a comfortable hold of serve in the first game. He really is a good server.

Sinner v Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 19:53 , Jamie Dickenson

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are warming up ahead of their Six Kings Slam final in Riyadh.

Sinner is the world No1 player having won the Australian Open and US Open this year, while Alcaraz is ranked No2 and is a four-time Grand Slam winner with the French Open and Wimbledon banked this year.

The best two players in the world go head to head!

Nadal's golden racket

Saturday 19 October 2024 19:46 , Jamie Dickenson

Rafael Nadal is given a gold racket as a parting gift from Saudi Arabia’s Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Alalshikh.

Not a bad way to go...

Nadal will miss 'everything'

Saturday 19 October 2024 19:37 , Jamie Dickenson

When asked what he will miss most in retirement, Rafael Nadal said: "Almost everything.

"It has been a dream come true to be able to play for almost 20 years being competitive, having the chance to play in the best places in the world, which I watched on TV as a kid.

"I cannot thank enough the support and love I have received all around. There was an amazing journey every single tournament over the years.

"I feel very fortunate to be a tennis player."

Nadal thanks Djokovic for pushing him

Saturday 19 October 2024 19:29 , Jamie Dickenson

"Novak, you helped me go over my limits for 15 years,” Nadal said.

"I will probably not be the player I am [without you].

"I wish you the best of luck for the future."

Djokovic hails Nadal's 'legacy'

Saturday 19 October 2024 19:27 , Jamie Dickenson

Novak Djokovic paid tribute to Rafael Nadal after beating him in their final match to seal third place at the Six Kings Slam.

"I don't know where to start with Rafa,” Djokovic said. “An amazing career. I could speak all night. It has been an honour to share the court with you.

"I go back to the very first match we played and who would know we would be standing here almost 20 years later, playing 60 times.

"I have the utmost respect for you. Incredible athlete, incredible person.

"The rivalry has been incredible, very intense, so I hope we will have the chance to sit on the bench somewhere, have a drink and reflect.

"I know how much sacrifice [there has been]. It is an emotional day, so don't leave tennis, man! Stay with us! You have left an amazing legacy."

Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal 6-2, 7-6 in Six Kings Slam

Saturday 19 October 2024 19:26 , Jamie Dickenson

The two players share a warm embrace after Novak Djokovic won the tie-breaker 7-5 in the final match the two will ever play.

It may even be Nadal’s final ever singles match, we will find that out next month at the Davis Cup.

We had a few vintage moments from Rafa tonight but Djokovic was just too strong in the end.

GAME, SET, MATCH DJOKOVIC! Djokovic 6-2, 6-6 (7-5) Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 19:12 , Jamie Dickenson

Djokovic earns a second match point, which he takes when Nadal fires into the net. That’s it!

Djokovic* 6-2, 6-6 (5-4) Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 19:10 , Jamie Dickenson

Djokovic goes ahead with an arching wide serve, but Nadal then forces and error with a strong forehand strike.

Nadal looks to be in a bit of pain here as he misses the volley.

Djokovic* 6-2, 6-6 (3-3) Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 19:08 , Jamie Dickenson

Nadal hits a cracking straight backhand to take a 3-2 lead, but Djokovic fires back immediately. This one is tough to call.

Djokovic 6-2, 6-6 (2-1) *Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 19:06 , Jamie Dickenson

Djokovic and Nadal take a point each in the early exchanges of the tiebreaker before Nadal hits a backhand wide to give Djokovic a 2-1 lead.

Djokovic 6-2, 6-6 *Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 19:04 , Jamie Dickenson

Djokovic must have been angered because he holds his serve without giving up a single point to take the match to a tie break in the second set.

Djokovic* 6-2, 5-6 Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 19:02 , Jamie Dickenson

Nadal throws up a strong arm to the crowd in celebration after slamming a vintage forehand winner for 15-0.

But some casual play makes it 30-30, before a lovely sliced volley from Nadal is followed by Djokovic hitting into the net.

Nadal has perfectly showcased his fighting spirit in the last five minutes here and the crowd are loving it.

Djokovic 6-2, 5-5 *Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 18:58 , Jamie Dickenson

Djokovic starts off with an ace but then hits a wild backhand to make it 15-15. Nadal wins a point but Djokovic fires back with another ace to go 30-30.

Nadal is taken too wide to prevent hitting the net with his return to serve, giving Djokovic a match point.

But Nadal won’t give up and wins one his best points of the day with a rasping forehand shot to make it deuce.

He then produces a stunning forehand pass on the run to leave Djokovic stranded as the crowd erupt. Djokovic then hits into the net to give Nadal a beautiful break.

Djokovic* 6-2, 5-4 Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 18:52 , Jamie Dickenson

Djokovic races into a 0-30 lead before Nadal does the unthinkable and double faults to give his old rival three break points at a crucial moment in the game.

Nadal can’t avoid the inevitable and a tame effort into the net gives Djokovic the break and the chance to serve for victory.

Djokovic 6-2, 4-4 *Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 18:51

Nadal shows his physicality to take the game to deuce, but Djokovic takes advantage with a bullet winner.

The Serb then holds for 4-4 in the second set. Nadal is putting up a much better fight here after Djokovic won the first set 6-2.

Djokovic* 6-2, 3-4 Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 18:43

Some brutal forehands are exchanged before Nadal clips his reply wide at 15-30.

Nadal then hands Djokovic two break points with a long forehand, but saves the first one when the Serb hits into the net.

He then saves the second break point with a thundering forehand to make it deuce.

Nadal takes the advantages and draws a big cheer from the crowd by kicking the return, but that cheer is topped when he wins the next point to take the game.

Djokovic 6-2, 3-3 *Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 18:38 , Jamie Dickenson

Nadal is looking more comfortable and like he has released the nerves that afflicted him in the first set.

He races into a 15-40 lead on Djokovic’s serve, but then overshoots before firing a forehand out.

Nadal takes advantage with a powerful groundstroke passing an advancing Djokovic, who volleys back on the next point for deuce.

But Djokovic enacts machine mode and wins the next two points to hold his serve.

Djokovic* 6-2, 2-3 Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 18:35 , Jamie Dickenson

Nadal keeps his lead as he starts to find the form we all remember him for.

A rare mistake from Djokovic hitting into the net lets Nadal hold with a strong second serve.

Djokovic 6-2, 2-2 *Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 18:30 , Jamie Dickenson

Djokovic just reminds everyone why he has had the career he has had by completing a routine hold when it looked like Nadal was hitting his stride.

Djokovic didn’t allow Nadal a single point in the game, which he won by delivering a strong forehand down the centre of the court.

Djokovic* 6-2, 1-2 Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 18:29 , Jamie Dickenson

Nadal has shown his warrior mentality by battling back into the lead in this second set.

He slices a volley wide and offers a wry smile with the score at 40-30, then inexplicably gits into the net for deuce.

However, Nadal holds his serve by winning the next two points.

Djokovic 6-2, 1-1 *Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 18:24 , Jamie Dickenson

Nadal rolls back the years with a sumptuous forehand stroke to break Djokovic and keep this second set level.

There is still live in the Spaniard!

Djokovic* 6-2, 1-0 Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 18:21 , Jamie Dickenson

Nadal steps up the court and aggressively wins the point to halt Djokovic at 40-15. He will need to do more of that if he doesn’t want this match to end prematurely.

However, Djokovic breaks to win the first game of the second set as Nadal makes a flurry of mistakes. First he double faults, then hits a forehand into the net and then overcooks a groundstroke.

Djokovic is in complete control now and at risk of beating Nadal quicker than anyone in the crowd would like.

Nadal is 'nervous'

Saturday 19 October 2024 18:17 , Jamie Dickenson

Rafael Nadal’s coach Carlos Moya has given his verdict on the first set.

“Slow start for Rafa today and he will play better in the second set,” Moya told Sky Sports. Nervous given it’s his final match.

“Could be and probably against his biggest enemy/rival on court. So probably a lot of emotions and normal for him to be nervous.

“Let’s try to enjoy now.”

FIRST SET DJOKOVIC! Djokovic 6-2 *Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 18:14 , Jamie Dickenson

Nadal isn’t quite finding the lines here, hitting into the tramlines on his backhand to see Djokovic go 40-15 up.

The Serbian then holds to win the first set 6-2.

Djokovic* 5-2 Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 18:10 , Jamie Dickenson

Nadal could be slipping away in this first set already as he overshoots to go 0-40 down and give Djokovic three break points.

He battles back to two break points but Djokovic passes him easily to take the double break.

Djokovic 4-2 *Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 18:07

Some ferocious ground strokes from Djokovic are too much for Nadal to handle, giving the Serbian 30-0 lead.

Djokovic then produces an ace on his serve, before offering up a rare double-fault. Nadal then finds a vintage forehand to pull Djokovic back to 40-30.

But Djokovic is a relentless character and he produces a strong serve to hold for the game.

Djokovic* 3-2 Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 18:03 , Jamie Dickenson

Nadal is doing his best to stay in contact with Djokovic here.

The Spaniard forces Djokovic wide on his advantage and sees the return go into the net.

Djokovic 3-1* Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 18:01 , Jamie Dickenson

Djokovic fires back to maintain his two-game lead, holding his serve with relative ease.

Nadal may have trouble containing Djokovic tonight.

Djokovic* 2-1 Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 17:55

After losing the first two games Nadal produces an instant response to win his first game of the evening on his serve.

Djokovic 2-0 *Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 17:52 , Jamie Dickenson

A frustrated Nadal won the first two points to take a 30-0 lead, but that just seemed to focus Djokovic’s mind as he battled to go 40-30 ahead.

Nadal’s drop shot had Djokovic scrambling but he could only hit into the net for deuce. Djokovic won the game with a stunning forehand stroke that drew a complimentary gesture from Nadal.

Djokovic 1-0 *Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 17:47 , Jamie Dickenson

Nadal makes a strong start to the first game, but some poor serving lets Djokovic back in at 30-30 and then the Serbian exerts his dominance to break.

Nadal serves first

Saturday 19 October 2024 17:43

Rafael Nadal has won the toss - with the umpire intriguingly translating the word ‘heads’ into Spanish for him - and will serve first.

Here we go!

Dressed to impress

Saturday 19 October 2024 17:36 , Jamie Dickenson

Rafael Nadal gets a huge applause as he walks out for what could potentially be his final ever singles match.

The Spaniard is wearing a navy blue polo shirt and shorts, with light blue headband and wristbands.

Novak Djokovic is in a red top and purple shorts, with some strapping on his upper right leg.

Lights, camera, action!

Saturday 19 October 2024 17:34 , Jamie Dickenson

There is a pretty amazing light show taking place right now at The Venue in Riyadh before Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic take to the court.

It’s all very different from the strawberries and cream traditionalism of Wimbledon, but it gives a futuristic feel to this end-of-an-era clash in Saudi Arabia.

Djokovic and Nadal are being introduced in boxing-style fashion as they walk out to the court.

Djokovic was like the 'wimpy cousin'

Saturday 19 October 2024 17:28 , Jamie Dickenson

Pat Cash has been speaking about how Novak Djokovic overtook Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic has 24 Grand Slams, two ahead of Nadal (22) and four more than Federer (20).

“Djokovic was like the wimpy cousin coming through with the legends Federer and Nadal already there,” Cash said on Sky Sports.

“He had to work hard on his game, his speed, his technique, change his game.

"The benchmark was set so high by these guys that Novak realised that was his only chance. He has just kept growing and growing."

Pep talk

Saturday 19 October 2024 17:20 , Jamie Dickenson

Pep Guardiola has shared his thoughts on the impending retirement of Rafael Nadal.

The Manchester City boss also revealed how he is in awe of the consistency of ‘big three’ tennis legends Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

"I think [Nadal retiring] happened because he saw that he cannot be or compete in the level that he had been for two decades,” Guardiola told Sky Sports’ One on One series and podcast.

“I admire all of them. I admire the consistency of 'The Big Three' every single season being there, never giving up, coming back from the setbacks.

“For me they are three geniuses. I tried to learn a lot from their body language, how they behave in the bad moments, how strong they are mentally, and of course the talent and skill.”

Cash excited

Saturday 19 October 2024 17:17 , Jamie Dickenson

Pat Cash is looking forward to this one.

“It’s a huge day - is it Rafa’s final singles match?” he said on Sky Sports.

“It could well be. This is one of the greatest rivalries of all time."

Match to start at 5.30pm

Saturday 19 October 2024 17:11 , Jamie Dickenson

We are less than 20 minutes away from Rafael Nadal’s last-ever meeting with Novak Djokovic.

The third-place match will start at 5.30pm BST in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Djokovic's tribute to Nadal

Saturday 19 October 2024 17:07 , Jamie Dickenson

Novak Djokovic posted a heartfelt tribute to Rafael Nadal after he announced his retirement.

There’s a huge amount of respect between these two...

Sinner vs Djokovic highlights

Saturday 19 October 2024 16:54 , Jamie Dickenson

Jannik Sinner needed all three sets to overcome Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

Sinner prevailed 6-2, 6-7, 6-4 over Djokovic in an enthralling battle.

Here’s how it went down...

Nadal v Alcaraz highlights

Saturday 19 October 2024 16:45 , Jamie Dickenson

Rafael Nadal was beaten in straight sets by Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals.

Alcaraz won 6-3, 6-3 in his last-ever match against fellow Spaniard Nadal.

Here’s how he did it...

Tennis stars do Friends

Saturday 19 October 2024 16:40 , Jamie Dickenson

What a TV show this would be...!

Sinner signs autographs

Saturday 19 October 2024 16:31 , Jamie Dickenson

Jannik Sinner signed autographs for some young fans as he arrived ahead of his Six Kings Slam final against Carlos Alcaraz.

Sinner beat Novak Djokovic in their semi-final on Thursday to set up a showdown with Alcaraz.

It’s been a breakthrough season for the 23-year-old Italian, who won both the Australian Open and the US Open this year.

Djokovic arrives

Saturday 19 October 2024 16:22 , Jamie Dickenson

Novak Djokovic has arrived at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ahead of his Six Kings Slam third-place match against Rafael Nadal.

Last night Djokovic was in attendance at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh for the Saudi Pro League match between Al Hilal v Al Fayha.

Hopefully he’s not feeling tired!

Alcaraz labelled 'best ever'

Saturday 19 October 2024 16:15

Pat Cash has made a huge claim about the greatest player to ever play at Wimbledon.

The Australian - who won at SW19 in 1987 - placed Carlos Alcaraz ahead of the likes of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Cash told Sky Sports Tennis: “He hasn’t got a weakness. I almost think he is one of the best, in fact the best player I have ever seen on grass. Ever seen, and I am really talking about ever seen.

“Because he is a young guy, he has taken the best of Rafa, the best of Federer and he has been able to adapt that. He has just taken the best of everything and somehow at the age of 21 has put it all together. I have never seen anything like that.”

Nadal no dancer

Saturday 19 October 2024 15:58 , Jamie Dickenson

Rafael Nadal turned down Novak Djokovic’s invitation to dance with him during an event in Saudi Arabia last year.

Nadal can be seen smiling and shaking his head whilst holding his young baby after being urged on stage by Djokovic.

The crowd in Riyadh were treated to some dance moves from the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune though...

Djokovic rejects retirement talk

Saturday 19 October 2024 15:39 , Jamie Dickenson

Novak Djokovic has rejected suggestions he could be about to follow Rafael Nadal into retirement.

Djokovic won three out of the four Grand Slams in 2023 but failed to win one this year for the first time in seven years.

The 37-year-old said: "I still feel that I enjoy the process and it generates all these benefits for me, so why not do it?

"Some people think I should retire from tennis at the top. Some people think I should keep going as long as I still think I can be the favourite for a Grand Slam. I think more like them.

"I still have the drive. So I feel sorry for those who want me to retire, because they will have to see me for a while longer."

Nadal vs Djokovic head to head

Saturday 19 October 2024 15:28 , Jamie Dickenson

Widely considered one of the greatest rivalries in the history of the sport, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have met no fewer than 60 times, with their last meeting coming at Roland Garros in the second round of the singles competition during this summer’s Paris Olympics.

Djokovic wins: 31

Nadal wins: 29

Nadal and Djokovic friendship 'impossible', but 'never enemies'

Saturday 19 October 2024 15:25 , Jamie Dickenson

When asked how he was able to be friends with long-time rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal revealed it was because they share similar values.

"Of course with Roger it has been special but with Novak too, I have a good relationship," he said. "It's the way you approach the sport.

"I think that's possible because at the end, we understand that it's only a game. In life, we have many more important things outside of tennis.

"At the end of the day, if you have a good relationship with the colleagues, with the people who are next to you or with the people in general, without a doubt, in my experience, you will be happier. So at the end, tennis is only a game, relationships go beyond that."

Djokovic has said he has found it “impossible” to be friends with Nadal because of their rivalry, but insists they have “never been enemies”.

"Even with him [Nadal], friendship is impossible,” Djokovic said. “I have always respected and greatly admired him.

"We have never been friends. Between rivals, it is not possible, but we have never been enemies."

Sinner v Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 15:07 , Jamie Dickenson

Jannik Sinner takes on Carlos Alcaraz in the inaugural Six Kings Slam final in Saudi Arabia tonight.

The Italian world No1 overcame Novak Djokovic in Thursday night’s first semi-final, only days after he also beat the veteran in the Shanghai Masters showpiece in China.

World No2 Alcaraz, meanwhile, beat fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal in straight sets a week after the latter announced his imminent retirement from the sport.

And tonight Sinner battles it out with Alcaraz with the winner taking home the biggest prize money in tennis history at $6m (£4.6m).

Nadal v Djokovic

Saturday 19 October 2024 15:02 , Jamie Dickenson

Tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will meet for one final time this evening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The pair will contest a third-place match after Nadal lost to compatriot Carlos Alcaraz and Djokovic went down to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Nadal - once of the most decorated and iconic players of all time with 22 Grand Slams to his name - has announced his imminent retirement from the sport and will officially hang up his racket after the Davis Cup finals on home soil in Malaga next month.

That means that tonight’s showdown with Djokovic - who has 24 Grand Slams - will be the pair’s last-ever competitive clash.

How to watch Nadal vs Djokovic AND Sinner v Alcaraz

Saturday 19 October 2024 14:47 , Jamie Dickenson

TV channel and live stream: Nadal vs Djokovic and Sinner vs Alcaraz will both be shown live on DAZN for free, with only an email subscription required.

Sky Sports Tennis will also show both matches this evening, while Sky Sports subscribers can also watch online via the Sky Go app.

Welcome!

Saturday 19 October 2024 14:40 , Jamie Dickenson

Good afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of the Six Kings third-place match and grand final.

Usually all eyes would be on the match that decides the winner and the player who pockets $6,000,000 in prize money, but before all that we have Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic’s final ever match.

Nadal - who will retire from the sport next month - and Djokovic are expected to start on court at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 5pm BST.

Once that mouthwatering match has finished we will have Jannik Sinner taking on Carlos Alcaraz to decide the first ever winer of the Six Kings Slam - with the action scheduled to get underway at toughly 7.30pm BST.

Stay with us for all the best build-up ahead of both matches!