Carlos Alcaraz has begun his training for the 6 Kings Slam and he’s enlisted a player ranked World No. 340 to help him.
The Spaniard will return to tennis for the first time since the Japan Open at the Saudi Arabian event, which also features Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Taylor Fritz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alexander Zverev.
Alcaraz extended his World No. 1 status despite his withdrawal from the Shanghai Masters, and he’ll be using the 6 Kings Slam as the perfect preparation for the ATP Finals in November.
The World No. 1 has been training with an American who currently sits outside the top 300 in the ATP Tour rankings.
Carlos Alcaraz trains with rising star ahead of the 6 Kings Slam
Alcaraz will be hoping to build upon his final defeat at the Saudi Arabia event in 2024, where an incredible $6 million is on the line.
Ahead of the event, the Spaniard has been spotted practicing with World No. 340 Darwin Blanch, who has been playing the Challenger circuit in 2025.
On Instagram, the American confirmed the practice with a picture of Alcaraz and his team via his Stories on October 13.
The American wrote: “Always a pleasure,” over his post as he shared the court with one of the best players in the sport.
Blanch made his major debut at the US Open earlier this year, where he lost to Martin Damm in straight sets.
Who does Carlos Alcaraz play at the Six Kings Slam?
Due to his six Grand Slam wins, Alcaraz has received a bye for the Six Kings Slam, which begins on October 15.
The Spaniard has been entered straight into the semi-finals of the event, where he’ll await the winner of Fritz and Zverev.
On the other side of the draw, Djokovic has received the bye to the final four and will play the winner of Tsitipas or Sinner.
Last year’s event was won by Sinner, who defeated Alcaraz in three sets in the final to scoop the lucrative prize.
