Carlos Alcaraz will compete at the 2026 Vienna Open after accepting a late wild card entry.

News of his pending participation comes after it was announced that this year's Six Kings Slam has been postponed.

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It was due to be held on October 21, 22 and 24 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but unrest in the Middle East and recent ballistic missile attacks at the King Khalid International Airport have led to its postponement.

Alcaraz was due to play in the lucrative tournament with fellow stars such as Novak Djokovic and soon-to-be world no. 1 Alexander Zverev.

Last year's participants banked a $1.5million (£1.1m) participation fee, whilst Jannik Sinner earned an extra $4.5m (£3.4m) for winning.

The 2026 Six Kings Slam will now be played from December 27 to 30.

Alcaraz to make Vienna Open return

However, Alcaraz will still be in action towards the end of October as he prepares for his first Vienna Open appearance since 2021.

"Everything happened very quickly after that, and Carlos agreed to come to Vienna without much hesitation," said tournament director Herwig Straka.

"I am delighted that we will be able to welcome him to the Erste Bank Open this year.

"He is one of the most exciting players and personalities on the ATP Tour and captivates an enormous global fanbase. His commitment is a tremendous honour for our tournament."

Qualification for the Vienna Open begins on October 24, with first-round matches then commencing on October 26.

Alcaraz is scheduled to begin his tournament a day later on Centre Court at Vienna City Hall.

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A mixed 2026 for Alcaraz

After finishing the 2025 season as world no. 1, Alcaraz made a strong start to the new year by winning his first Australian Open title.

At age 22 years and 272 days, the Spaniard became the youngest-ever man to complete a tennis Career Grand Slam.

He then won the Qatar Open but, after an Indian Wells semi-final exit and defeat to Sinner in the Monte-Carlo final, his fitness declined.

Alcaraz missed the French Open and Wimbledon whilst he recovered from a wrist injury.

After four-and-a-half months out, the 23-year-old returned to court at the US Open as defending champion.

Home favourite Ben Shelton beat him in the quarter-finals, but a victory in the Japan Open followed for Alcaraz only weeks later.