Six Kings Slam QF previews and predictions: Sinner vs. Medvedev, Alcaraz vs. Rune

It’s not yet exhibition season on the tennis calendar, but nonetheless there is one–and a big one–this week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Six Kings Slam begins on Wednesday, with matches featuring Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune.

Jannik Sinner vs. Daniil Medvedev

The Six Kings Slam exhibition gets underway on Wednesday, when familiar foes Sinner and Medvedev face each other in Riyadh. They have squared off 14 times on the main tour, including five times already this season. The head-to-head series is tied up at 7-7, but Sinner has won seven of their last eight encounters after trailing 6-0 as recently as last fall. They just met in the Shanghai quarterfinals last week, with the Italian prevailing 6-1, 6-4 on his eventual way to the title.

There is no reason to think that Medvedev will turn the tide on Wednesday. Although an exhibition situation generally levels the playing field, the Russian is the kind of guy who will just go out there and have fun when the stakes are not as high as usual. Sinner is much more business like, which should serve him well–in terms of his chances to win both this match and the whole event–in this kind of setting.

Pick: Sinner in 2

Carlos Alcaraz vs. Holger Rune

Alcaraz ran into a red-hot Tomas Machac in the Shanghai quarterfinals and took a surprising loss, but the world No. 2 has otherwise been in great form since the U.S. Open. He beat Sinner for the Beijing title, clinched the Laver Cup for Team Europe, and led Spain to the Davis Cup quarters. Alcaraz should thrive in an exhibition, too. He plays better when is loose and having fun.

Rune, who trails the head-to-head series 2-1, has been mediocre pretty much all season long. The 14th-ranked Dane has not defeated anyone ranked better than No. 22 in the world since Monte-Carlo in April. With Rafael Nadal awaiting the winner, Alcaraz will not only be out there having fun but he will also be inspired to win and get one more chance to go up against his fellow Spaniard and Olympics doubles partner.

Pick: Alcaraz in 2