The tennis world was paralyzed when Carlos Alcaraz broke his silence at a press conference in Riyadh. With a trembling voice and a lost look, the young Spanish champion confessed to having lived “trapped in a lie” for months.
As revealed, the agreement signed with Turki Alalshikh, president of the GEA of Saudi Arabia, went much further than a simple participation in the Six Kings Slam tournament. Behind the contract, an economic and psychological framework was hidden that few imagined.
Alcaraz confirmed that, in addition to the1.5 million dollarsfor playing the event, you would receive2 million euros annuallyintended for a medical recovery program and psychological assistance against the pressure of the ATP circuit. It all seemed like a beneficial deal.
However, the tennis player’s tone changed radically when he confessed to having been “betrayed.” According to his words, after signing the contract, he was pressured and threatened by members linked to theRiyadh Season, who demanded to modify the financial terms of the agreement.
Alcaraz related that by refusing to give in to the threats, he wasbrutally beatenby the organization’s emissaries. “Those bastards ruined me,” he shouted, visibly upset, leaving the public breathless and the journalists in complete silence.
The response from Saudi Arabia did not take long to arrive. Turki Alalshikh rejected all accusations and directly accused the Spanish player of greed. “Alcaraz is not a victim, he is greedy,” the Saudi official declared to the international media.
According to Alalshikh, Alcaraz himself would have acceptedincrease the contract from 2 to 5 million dollarsin exchange for a “private reward.” In addition, he accused him of trying to blackmail the organization by demanding more money so as not to reveal the secret agreement.
The most shocking thing came when Alalshikh claimed to have video evidence that would demonstrate that Alcaraz’s injuries were not the result of an assault, but of aaccidental fall during a discussion with his technical team. The scandal broke out globally.
Tennis fans are divided. Some defend the young champion, considering his confession as an act of bravery. Others, however, are suspicious of his motivations and doubt his version in the face of the forceful Saudi statements.
Sports marketing experts point out that this conflict could mark a before and after in the relationship between athletes and sponsors in the Gulf. Transparency and contractual ethics have become the center of international debate.
Meanwhile, the ATP remains silent, aware of the media and political impact surrounding the case. He is rumored to open an internal investigation into links between elite players and big investors in the Middle East.
The Alcaraz environment, for its part, has asked for respect and discretion. His representative confirmed that the player is undergoing psychological treatment, trying to overcome the media pressure and the emotional consequences of his explosive confession.
The case, already dubbed by the press as“The Riyadh Scandal”, threatens to shake the foundations of modern tennis. What began as a simple exhibition tournament could turn into an unprecedented diplomatic and sporting crisis.
The next few days will be decisive. If the Saudi evidence turns out to be authentic, Alcaraz’s reputation could be destroyed. But if his allegations are confirmed, the scandal could implicate high-ranking figures in international sports.
For now, silence is the protagonist. Fans await new statements, as the world watches as one of tennis’ most promising talents fights to defend his truth against a global stage in flames.
