Imagine a tennis tournament so legendary that it sparks debates among former champions themselves. That’s exactly what’s happening with the Six Kings Slam, where tennis greats like John Isner and Jack Sock can’t even agree on their dream lineup—and it’s all because of one player. But here’s where it gets controversial: who deserves that final spot in the ultimate Six Kings Slam team? Let’s dive in.
The Six Kings Slam has returned to Riyadh this week, delivering a thrilling rematch of last year’s final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner clinched the 2024 title, defeating Alcaraz and pocketing a staggering $6 million in prize money. These two have dominated the season, facing off in three out of four Grand Slam finals—Alcaraz took two, while Sinner claimed the third by beating Alexander Zverev. Now, they’re back in the spotlight, with Sinner ousting Novak Djokovic and Alcaraz overcoming Taylor Fritz to set up their latest showdown.
Earlier in the tournament—which, by the way, operates independently of the ATP Tour—Fritz stunned Zverev, and Sinner dispatched Stefanos Tsitsipas in a mere 76 minutes. But the real drama unfolded when former players John Isner and Jack Sock took to The Nothing Major Show to debate their ideal Six Kings Slam lineups. And this is the part most people miss: their picks reveal as much about their tennis philosophy as they do about the sport’s history.
Sock’s dream team? A mix of timeless legends and modern flair: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, and the electrifying Carlos Alcaraz. ‘You need the entertainment value, the rivalries, and the all-time greats,’ Sock explained. But Isner had a different take, swapping Agassi for Jimmy Connors, citing Connors’ staggering 109 career titles. ‘You can’t leave out that kind of dominance,’ Isner argued.
Other tennis icons weighed in too. Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson shared their ultimate fields, with Querrey opting for Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, John McEnroe, Agassi, and Alcaraz. ‘You’ve got to include a young Carlos,’ Querrey insisted. ‘And who wouldn’t want to watch Mac and Andre?’ Johnson, however, focused on iconic rivalries, pairing Federer-Nadal, Bjorn Borg-McEnroe, and Agassi-Sampras. ‘Imagine those matchups in one tournament,’ he mused, even suggesting byes for Federer and Nadal to ensure a dream final.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: What if the Six Kings Slam had a female equivalent? The current event features only male players, but a WTA version would be nothing short of spectacular. Serena and Venus Williams would undoubtedly headline, alongside Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, and Chris Evert. But what about Martina Hingis or Billie Jean King? And could current stars like Aryna Sabalenka or Iga Swiatek be left out without sparking outrage?
This debate isn’t just about names—it’s about legacy, style, and the very essence of tennis greatness. So, we have to ask: Who would you include in your dream Six Kings Slam lineup? And more importantly, who would you leave out? Let’s hear your picks in the comments—this is one conversation that’s sure to serve up some heated exchanges!
