But it appears the £1.12million appearance fee is largely the motivating factor behind their decision to play in the Arabian Gulf, with no ATP ranking points on offer as the 2024 season draws to a close. The winner can pocket a maximum £4.6m – double the figure Alcaraz earned for winning Wimbledon this year.

And Murray decided to poke fun at his close friend Broady, who has been confirmed as a pundit for Sky Sports Tennis’ coverage.

Commentator Adam Fielder tweeted the news, writing: “Let’s hope the tennis is as good as the promotional video. Live on @SkySportsTennis with @gigi_salmon @TheRealPatCash and @Liambroady from 17:15 today, tomorrow and Saturday.”

Murray quoted the X post and wrote: “Ahhhh now it makes sense @Liambroady”, adding a number of ‘dollar’ emojis to jokingly call out his friend’s decision to work there for the financial rewards.

It’s not the first time the 37-year-old has called out his fellow Brit after he praised the tournament promotion video, with stars featuring as characters from Indiana Jones.

Broady said: “Speechless as to how damn cool this promo is. Probably the best I’ve ever seen in tennis. Would watch this movie. 10/10.”

Murray had a different take on it, replying: “Except it’s not a movie and you won’t watch it because it’s an exhibition tennis event that nobody cares about.”

While the Scot’s humorous side is well-documented, there is a more serious angle to his disapproval due to Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record. He turned down multiple attempts to convince him to play in Saudi tournaments, insisting he wouldn’t compromise his beliefs for the millions on offer.

In Wednesday’s matches at the Six Kings Slam, Sinner shrugged off his ongoing doping case saga with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to thrash Daniil Medvedev 6-0, 6-3. Elsewhere, Alcaraz defeated Holger Rune 6-4, 6-2.

Nadal, an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, has been given a bye into the semi-finals where he will face his compatriot Alcaraz.

Djokovic and Sinner meet again for the second time in as many weeks after the Italian triumphed in the Shanghai Masters final.