Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz said the record prize money on offer at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia was motivation as the world number two prepared for the Paris Masters.
His Italian rival, Jannik Sinner, dismissed previous claims that he was taking part in the exhibition event for prize money, and stressed that he went to Riyadh for a sporting challenge.
However, Alcaraz admitted that the financial aspect also played a role because he managed to win 1.5 million dollars over four days in mid-October.
“I love playing tennis. You know, most of the time I don’t think about money. I just play for love or for fun. But you have to be realistic. You have to think that you want to earn money, you know, and that’s it.” said Alcaraz as reported by Channel News Asia, Tuesday (29/10).
“In Arabia it’s the highest prize money ever in history, so that’s a good motivation, at least for me.”
The Spaniard has not had much success at the Paris Masters in recent years, with a quarter-final appearance being his best result. Alcaraz won the French Open and Wimbledon titles this year, but said the season had had a negative impact.
“I haven’t played good tennis in this tournament. Maybe at the end of the year, I’m tired, or yes, as I said last year, I have to understand that the season will still continue after September,” he said.
“The calendar is very tight, also very demanding. So, coming into the last tournament of the year, maybe I was tired last year, not playing as well as I wanted, but coming into this year, I think I feel different.” (Z-6)
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**Interview with Carlos Alcaraz: The Magnetism of Prize Money in Tennis**
**Interviewer:** Carlos, thank you for joining us today. You recently mentioned that the prize money at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia attracted you. Can you elaborate on why that was a motivating factor for you?
**Carlos Alcaraz:** Thank you for having me! Yes, the financial aspect is certainly appealing. Earning $1.5 million over just four days is a significant incentive. While I love playing tennis for the sport itself, the reality of competition today includes financial considerations. It allows me to invest in my career and future.
**Interviewer:** You’re currently preparing for the Paris Masters. How do you balance motivation for tournaments like the Six Kings Slam with your other commitments?
**Carlos Alcaraz:** It’s all about prioritizing my schedule and managing my time effectively. The Paris Masters is extremely important for me, but events like the Six Kings Slam offer unique opportunities, not just financially but also to play against top competitors and gain experience.
**Interviewer:** Your Italian rival Jannik Sinner also plays at a high level. How does competition with players like him influence your performance in these high-stakes matches?
**Carlos Alcaraz:** Playing against rivals like Jannik pushes me to elevate my game. We both have a strong desire to succeed, and competing against each other in such high-pressure environments is part of what makes professional tennis so exciting. It’s a constant motivation to improve and perform better.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, do you think other young players might feel similarly drawn to lucrative events like the Six Kings Slam as they develop their careers?
**Carlos Alcaraz:** Absolutely. Prize money is a major factor for many players, especially in the formative years of their careers. It’s not just about winning trophies; financial stability allows players to focus fully on their training and development without added worries.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Carlos, for your insights! We wish you the best of luck at the Paris Masters and beyond.
**Carlos Alcaraz:** Thank you! I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.
