When Jessica Pegula sat down to deliver her verdict on the proposed “Six Queens Slam” in Saudi Arabia, the tennis world leaned in—and what she said may reshape the future of women’s tennis.
Pegula, one of the sport’s most consistent forces, didn’t mince her words. With the men’s event Six Kings Slam already making headlines in Riyadh, organisers have floated a mirror concept for women: the “Six Queens Slam”. While details remain hazy, the idea is big. Saudi Arabia is increasingly stepping into the sport with significant investments, including hosting agreements for the season-ending championships. Tennisuptodate.com Pegula, ever pragmatic, addressed both the promise and peril of this development.
Her first point: excitement. Pegula acknowledged the sheer scale of what’s being proposed—top-tier talent gathering in a region that until recently had limited visibility on the women’s tour. The potential for big prize money, global attention, and new markets is enormous. She sounded genuine when she said she’s always open to breaking new ground, and to playing tennis where few women have before.
But then she paused. And that’s where the headline-worthy nuance came in. Pegula expressed caution: a women’s version of the “six” format must have substance, not just sizzle. For her, legitimacy matters more than spectacle. She questioned whether the event would attract the deepest field, the best timing, and the respect it deserves — rather than being seen as “just another money stop”. She made it clear that if the event is to truly matter, the top stars must show up and the format must align with real career goals, not just pay-cheques.
And then the real kicker: Pegula subtly raised the subject of “why now?”. With the men’s version already under way, she wondered whether the women’s version was more than a symmetrical copy-cat move. Would it enhance the women’s calendar, or simply add more strain to a packed season? In short: she wants women’s tennis to benefit, not just be an afterthought.
Her tone? Direct. Respectful of the Saudi ambitions. Still aware of the questions. She spoke of the chance to “expand horizons”, but didn’t shy away from the fact that many players will weigh ranking points, scheduling, physical toll and reputation before diving in.
For fans and insiders, Pegula’s stance may signal something deeper: women’s stars want partnerships that empower, not just exploit. They want events that matter. And if the “Six Queens Slam” is to become a landmark, they’ll hold it to that standard.
So: is the “Six Queens Slam” in Saudi Arabia a bold leap forward, or a glittering sidestep? Jessica Pegula’s verdict: “It could be something special — but only if it’s built the right way.” She has spoken. And the tennis world is listening.
