Who doesn’t like a cool purse? Especially if it comes loaded with a heavy paycheck. Jannik Sinner is to confirm that – he pocketed a jaw-dropping $6 million in Riyadh; the biggest cash prize in tennis history. Surprisingly, after winning the event, the Italian expressed he was not bothered much about the money, but his Spanish rival Carlos Alcaraz notably offered a unique take on how money comes into play when competing at the highest level.

Sinner has enjoyed a stellar run this year. He clinched two Grand Slams, in Melbourne and New York respectively and then later, overpowered his way through a stiff competition at the Shanghai Masters. Sinner outclassed Serbian Novak Djokovic in a thrilling showdown in China. Next up, the World No. 1 jetted off to Riyadh to lock horns with “possibly the six best players in the world” at the Six Kings Slam exhibition. Regardless, his rich form of vein knew no bounds.

Sinner surfed through the event, thrashing formidable challenges to emerge victorious in Riyadh. And by doing so, he minted tennis history’s biggest paycheck. Subsequently, the 23-year-old was asked how he felt about bagging the lucrative amount, to which he responded: “I don’t play for money. It’s very simple. It’s a nice prize and everything but for me, I went there because there were possibly the six best players in the world. And then you can measure yourself with them.” Naturally, it was only a matter of time before his rivals were posed a similar question.

Before commencing his Paris Masters campaign, Carlos Alcaraz was queried by the reporters whether money acted as a motivational factor for him in Riyadh. In response, the former World No. 1 lent his “realistic” opinion, saying “If I say I went there just for fun or to play and forget the money, I’m gonna lie. Most of the time I don’t think about the money. But you have to be realistic. You have to think that you want to earn money and that’s it. In Arabia is the highest prize money ever in history, so that was a good motivation, at least for me.” Moreover, soon-to-be-retired Rafael Nadal was gifted a 3 kg gold racket in remembrance of his glorious legacy at ‘The Kingdom.’

For those unaware, Sinner made half of what he earned this season in just three days in Riyadh; having previously racked up $12 million in prize money this season.

Apart from putting in extraordinary performances on the Tour, Sinner is also always clear in his thoughts and he showed that again recently when he drew a clear distinction between himself and his Spanish rival Alcaraz. So what did he say?

Jannik Sinner believes he is ‘mentally strong’

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz didn’t wait for Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to retire to take over the reins. Both the players have finessed the ATP circuit with their captivating skillset already, however, Alcaraz has gained an edge over Sinner. The 21-year-old did not lose even a single encounter against Sinner this year.

Comparing his game with that of Alcaraz, Sinner claimed that his mental fortitude, apart from his pace is what makes him the player that he is, while in case of Alcaraz, it’s his physical strength which gives him an upper hand.

Remarking on the differences between the duo while talking to ‘LA STAMPA,’ the Italian said: “Alcaraz and I are two very different players. I keep the pace very high, I’m mentally strong. He is physically strong and tennis-wise he has something more at the moment.”

With such bold claims ahead of his Paris Masters adventure, Sinner will look to capitalize on his strengths and extend his winning streak in the French capital. The ATP ranking leader has already qualified for the final race to Turin. Will he add another title to his tally in Paris before moving to Turin? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.