'Sinner's victory over Alcaraz at the 2025 Six Kings Slam holds no real significance'

This is the view expressed by Adriano Panatta - among the most legendary Italian tennis players, about the young fellow countryman’s triumph in the 2025 Six Kings Slam final.

Although world number one Jannik Sinner convincingly defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the Six Kings Slam final, the tennis legend from the same country, Adriano Panatta, believes one should not read too much into an exhibition match.

At the event held in Saudi Arabia, Sinner beat Alcaraz 6-2, 6-4 in their first meeting since the US Open final, where Alcaraz won decisively. This victory not only earned the 24-year-old player a prize of 6 million USD but also provided a significant morale boost as he strives to improve his head-to-head record.

Before the match, Carlitos led Sinner 10-5 in their direct encounters and had won 7 of their last 8 meetings, including both Grand Slam finals in 2025. Sinner’s only recent victory was at Wimbledon.

After the US Open loss, Sinner admitted that his playing style had become predictable and pledged to change in order to overcome the Spanish player. The win at the Six Kings Slam is seen as a positive sign of this adjustment.

However, in an interview on the program Domenica Sportiva, the legend Adriano Panatta - 1976 Roland Garros champion, expressed caution.

"Exhibition matches like this have very limited value, both technically and emotionally. I have never seen Sinner smile so much during a match.", he commented.

Nevertheless, Panatta still praised the younger player’s performance: "Sinner played very well, especially his serve - it’s clear he has trained very seriously. When he is in top form, Sinner is truly formidable."

However, the former world number 4 believes only official matches are the true measure. "I want to see them face off at the Paris Masters, and especially at the ATP Finals. Those are the real contests.", he emphasized.

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