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Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz produced a thrilling display of tennis in the final of the inaugural Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sinner and Alcaraz, the two top-ranked men's tennis players in the world, locked horns in the title clash at the exhibition event on Saturday, October 19. Ultimately, it was World No. 1 Sinner who triumphed, coming back from a set down to win 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3.
Despite the match's exhibition status, there were several memorable moments before, during and after the contest. Here, we have compiled a list of seven of the best of them.
#1. Hilarious mix-up before the match as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner prepared to step out on to the court
Even before the match got underway, there was a moment of comic relief. It saw Alcaraz in the tunnel ready to make his way on to the court, with the announcer about to introduce the players to the audience. However, the Spaniard soon realized that the announcer was introducing Sinner and not him.
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Confusion ensued, with Alcaraz unsure about what to do. However, after the announcer confirmed that he was indeed talking about Sinner, the Italian stepped forward smiling and eventually entered the court.
#2. Carlos Alcaraz's devastating 109 MPH forehand
With Jannik Sinner leading 3-1 in the second set and having a break point opportunity at 30-40 in the fifth game, Carlos Alcaraz came up with an incredible 109 miles per hour crosscourt forehand.
The forehand came after a rally during which both players hit the ball hard, but the Spaniard's powerful shot was simply too much for the Italian. Sinner did try his best to make a move towards the ball but it was past him in a flash.
#3. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz's power-packed rally at the start of the second set
Sinner and Alcaraz got things going in the second set with a bang. The latter started the set by serving and won the first point of its first game. The next point though, showed just how powerfully both the Italian and the Spaniard can hit the ball.
Initially, the point looked to be going the French Open and Wimbledon champion's way, as his crushing forehands left the World No. 1 pegged well back behind the baseline. Eventually though, a deft drop volley attempted by Alcaraz gave Sinner the opportunity to go forward and unleash a powerful two-handed backhand, which brought the point to its conclusion.
#4. Jannik Sinner's "strange" admission over thinking about Carlos Alcaraz every morning
During Jannik Sinner's post-match, on-court interview, he spoke up about how he regularly thinks about getting the better of Carlos Alcaraz. In the pair's three previous meetings this year, it was Alcaraz who came out on top against the World No. 1.
"I wake up in the morning trying to understand the ways to beat him," Sinner said.
The interviewer then added a hint of mischief to the conversation and asked Sinner if Alcaraz really is the first person on the Italian's mind every morning. The World No. 1 then paused for a little bit and admitted that it would indeed be "strange".
"Well, no. I mean… it would be strange, no?" Sinner replied.
Alcaraz couldn't help but laugh at the hilarious exchange.
#5. Jannik Sinner adorably fixing Carlos Alcaraz's hair before the pair posed for photos with their respective trophies
After Sinner and Alcaraz had received their winner's and runner-up's respective trophies, they were asked to pose for a few photos. Before making their way for the photo session, the Italian noticed something was awry about the Spaniard's hair, and was quick to fix it.
#6. Carlos Alcaraz guiding Jannik Sinner to ensure a perfect post-match photo
As photos of Alcaraz and Sinner were being captured, Alcaraz noticed that the pair's positioning could be improved. Keeping a close eye on the background and his right arm wrapped around the Italian's waist, the Spaniard briefly turned into a director of sorts.
The duo moved around until the World No. 2 was finally happy with how he and the World No. 1 were positioned. After that, it was all smiles as Alcaraz and Sinner posed for the cameras.
#7. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz casually chatting on a courtside bench after the match
Sinner and Alcaraz share an intense rivalry, but at the same time, they are also friendly with each other. Their friendly relationship was once again evident following the conclusion of the Italian's Six Kings Slam final triumph. The pair was captured casually chatting with one another sitting side by side on a courtside bench.
Alcaraz and Sinner are both scheduled to compete at the Paris Masters next.
