Medvedev openly explains why he is not participating in the Six Kings Slam 2025

Daniil Medvedev is missing from the roster for the Six Kings Slam this year, whereas Stefano Tsitsipas, who has had fluctuating performance, is part of the lineup.

After not being invited to the Six Kings Slam 2025, which features six players: Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, Daniil Medvedev expressed that he fully understands and accepts this decision. The Russian player, currently ranked 14th in the world, believes he no longer holds a position among the top players as he once did.

"Since my ranking has dropped, I understand that I might not get an invitation. They usually pick the top 6, and last year they made an exception only for Rafa.", Medvedev said when asked about his absence from this season's event.

In 2024, Medvedev was one of the six stars participating in the inaugural Six Kings Slam held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, alongside notable names like Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz. However, he was eliminated early, losing in the opening match to Sinner.

The 2025 Six Kings Slam is still taking place in Riyadh but without the presence of the former world number one from Russia. Medvedev’s absence disappointed many fans, but the 30-year-old player stated he is focusing on other goals.

Currently, Medvedev is competing in the ATP 250 event in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where he has reached the semifinals after defeating Adam Walton and Fabian Marozsan. His next opponent is James Duckworth.

"That’s why I’m playing in Kazakhstan, and once I commit to something, I follow through. I have no regrets because right now I need ranking points and real match play.", Medvedev added.

If he wins in Almaty, it will be Medvedev’s first title in over two and a half years — since his Rome Masters victory in May 2023. The Russian hopes this will mark the beginning of a comeback to top form in the latter half of his career.

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