Tennis Fans Left Speechless After Learner Tien Replaces Jannik Sinner at Six Kings Slam

American rising star Learner Tien has been selected to replace Jannik Sinner at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh. Sinner ended his 2026 season prematurely due to an ongoing right knee injury, which previously forced him out of the US Open and will prevent him from defending his Nitto ATP Finals title. Sinner's absence also puts his world number one ranking at risk from Alexander Zverev.

Tien's unexpected inclusion sparked widespread surprise and debate among tennis fans on social media, with many questioning the selection over other established competitors. The 20-year-old top-20 left-hander was slated to face Alex de Minaur in the opening round, though de Minaur's own status remains uncertain after an adductor injury in Beijing.