A spectator was escorted off the court by security personnel after approaching Jannik Sinner, the world No. 2 tennis player, at the Six Kings Slam event in Riyadh. Following his impressive 6-2, 6-3 win against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the tournament’s opening match on Wednesday, Sinner was approached by a young fan who seemed to be requesting his jacket post-match.

Although the interaction between Sinner and the fan was not captured by microphones, the fan shook Sinner’s hand, gestured towards his jacket, and engaged in a brief conversation with the player. Security intervened swiftly, removing the boy from the court as Sinner prepared to leave.

Sinner, who had recently retired from the Shanghai Masters due to challenging weather conditions, was back on the court in Riyadh to defend his title. The 24-year-old faced severe cramps during his match in Shanghai, which eventually led to his withdrawal from the tournament.

Reflecting on his experience in Shanghai, Sinner attributed the cramps to a mental factor and acknowledged the learning experience. He mentioned that he had discussed the issue with his team and felt prepared for the Six Kings Slam tournament.

Despite the setback in Shanghai, Sinner bounced back strongly at the Six Kings Slam, defeating Tsitsipas and securing a spot in the semi-finals where he is set to face Novak Djokovic. Looking ahead to the match, Sinner expressed confidence in his tactical preparation and aggressive gameplay, emphasizing the importance of key moments and strong serving.

The competition in Riyadh presented unique challenges for Sinner, particularly with the court conditions being described as “quite bouncy.”