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Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, confirmed the schedule change on Wednesday. In a statement shared via the
Regional Instability Impacts Sporting Calendar
The decision to push back the tennis exhibition follows a period of heightened tension and renewed conflict involving the Saudi-led coalition and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Recent missile strikes targeting critical infrastructure, including airports and energy facilities, have disrupted daily life and the nation's sporting schedule. Reports indicate that a recent attack on Riyadh’s international airport resulted in 13 fatalities and a temporary suspension of operations, representing the most significant assault since 2015.
The impact on sports has been widespread. Earlier this week, three Saudi Pro League matches were cancelled, including a fixture involving Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. Furthermore, an Asian Champions League match for Al Nassr against Neftchi Fergana faced a one-hour delay after the military coalition reported intercepting a missile directed toward the capital. Despite the disruption, Ronaldo managed to score his 981st career goal during that match, which ended in a 3-1 victory for his side.
This postponement is the latest in a series of disruptions to the Saudi sporting calendar since the onset of regional hostilities in late February. Previous events affected by the security climate include the cancellation of the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, which was originally set for April, and the relocation of the WTA Finals from Riyadh to Indian Wells in the United States. The Six Kings Slam, which was intended to be streamed live on Netflix, now joins a growing list of major events forced to adjust their plans as the kingdom navigates the current security landscape.
