Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2 tennis player from Spain, highlighted the record prize money at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia earlier this month as a key factor in his decision to participate in the tournament.
Speaking to reporters on Monday as he prepares for the Paris Masters, Alcaraz acknowledged that while his love for the game drives him, the financial incentives are also important. He earned $1.5 million during the four-day event, which he noted was the highest prize money ever offered in tennis history, making it a significant motivator for him.
In contrast, Italian player Jannik Sinner downplayed suggestions that his participation in the exhibition was primarily motivated by financial gain. He emphasized that his decision to compete in Riyadh stemmed from a desire for the sporting challenge rather than monetary rewards. This difference in perspective reflects the varied motivations among players, with Alcaraz being candid about the realistic aspects of earning money in professional sports.
As he looks ahead to the Paris Masters, Alcaraz admitted that he has not had much success at this particular tournament in recent years, with a quarterfinal being his best finish. Despite his victories at the French Open and Wimbledon this year, he acknowledged that the demanding season has left him feeling fatigued. Alcaraz noted that the tight tennis calendar requires players to remain focused and energized throughout the year, something he struggled with in the past.
The Paris indoor tournament is set to run until November 3, with top seeds beginning their campaigns on Tuesday. Some matches have already commenced, including Greek 10th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas' comeback win against Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena. Alcaraz is scheduled to face Chilean player Nicolas Jarry in the round of 32, aiming to build momentum as the season comes to a close.
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