Alexander Zverev Earns ₹22 Lakh Per Minute Despite 59-Minute Rout by Taylor Fritz at Six Kings Slam

The second edition of the Six Kings Slam began in Riyadh with two quarterfinal matchups, offering a record prize pool and a lucrative opportunity for some of the world’s top men’s tennis players. American star Taylor Fritz set the tone, defeating Germany’s Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-4 in just 59 minutes to reach the semifinals.

Fritz has dominated his recent encounters with Zverev, winning their last six tour-level meetings, and he lived up to that record in this Netflix-streamed exhibition. In the semifinals, Fritz will meet world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who earned a bye to the final four.

Prize Money Even in Defeat

Although Zverev exited in the opening round, he still earned a significant payout. The Six Kings Slam awards prize money on a rolling basis per match, meaning quarterfinal losers — Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, who was defeated by Jannik Sinner — each earn $1.5 million for participating.

Remarkably, Zverev’s quick 59-minute loss meant he earned roughly $25,400 per minute on court (approximately ₹22 lakh INR), giving him a silver lining despite the early exit.

Big-Money Attraction

The Saudi Arabian event, held during Riyadh Season, is designed to draw tennis superstars to a region not typically known for major tennis tournaments. With the winner guaranteed a staggering $6 million — more than the singles prize at any Grand Slam — the Six Kings Slam continues to attract elite talent.

In the semifinals, Fritz will face Alcaraz, while defending champion Jannik Sinner will take on Novak Djokovic in the other matchup.