Photo by Like tears in rain
Jordan Smith, an amateur, would have been "fine winning just one point," but he walked away with A$1 million (£496,835) and bragging rights over world number two Jannik Sinner after winning the Australian Open's Million Dollar One Point Slam.
The novel structure allowed amateur players to earn the prize money by playing a single point against some of the sport's best talent and other well-known figures.
Jordan Smith was the star of the event at Rod Laver Arena, defeating women's world number four Amanda Anisimova in front of nearly 15,000 people.
Smith faced Joanna Garland, women's world number 117, in a fitting finale after the Taiwanese 24-year-old surprised men's world number three Alexander Zverev and Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios.
New South Wales state champion Smith was not the only amateur to take advantage of his opportunity, as Queensland state champion Alec Reverente defeated men's world number seven Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Smith and Reverente, the two best-performing amateurs, competed for a brand new automobile, and Reverente won.
The competition was played in excellent spirits, with Kyrgios even doing a racquet smash with humour after his defeat, and it sparked genuine interest.
New South Wales state champion Smith was not the only amateur to take advantage of his opportunity, as Queensland state champion Alec Reverente defeated men's world number seven Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Smith and Reverente, the two best-performing amateurs, competed for a brand new automobile, and Reverente won.
The competition was played in excellent spirits, with Kyrgios even doing a racquet smash with humour after his defeat, and it sparked genuine interest.
Many of the defeated players, including men's number one Carlos Alcaraz, stayed at Rod Laver Arena and gathered around televisions to witness the match between the two improbable finals.
The upsets continued coming in the quick-fire format, as fellow players offered impassioned support from the sidelines and the fans rallied behind the underdog.
Upsets, shocks, and fun in Melbourne Park.
Tennis instructor Andres Schneiter defeated men's world number 34 Corentin Moutet in the first match of the evening, setting the tone.The upsets continued coming in the quick-fire format, as fellow players offered impassioned support from the sidelines and the fans rallied behind the underdog.
Garland, who was knocked out in the first round of singles qualifying in Melbourne, looked stunned as she defeated former women's world number three Maria Sakkari and 2024 Wimbledon semi-finalist Donna Vekic.
Smith, however, did not have to strike a ball against Sinner after the men's world number two failed to land his serve, with pros only given one chance to do it right.
Smith, however, did not have to strike a ball against Sinner after the men's world number two failed to land his serve, with pros only given one chance to do it right.
Photo by LHC88
After defeating Anisimova, he went on to defeat Pedro Martinez, the 71st-ranked Spaniard, to qualify for the prize money."Coming into tonight, I would have been delighted with just one point," said Smith, 29, who won national titles as a junior.
"I was nervous, but I enjoyed being out here; it was a wonderful experience."
Sakkari stopped Alcaraz's hopes after the top-ranked men's player scored on an attempted drop shot.
Meanwhile, six-time major winner Iga Swiatek defeated men's world number 22 and 31, Flavio Cobolli and Frances Tiafoe, before succumbing to Martinez.
Sakkari stopped Alcaraz's hopes after the top-ranked men's player scored on an attempted drop shot.
Meanwhile, six-time major winner Iga Swiatek defeated men's world number 22 and 31, Flavio Cobolli and Frances Tiafoe, before succumbing to Martinez.
How did the Million Dollar One-Point Slam work?
The event, conducted four days before the Australian Open begins on Sunday, attracted 48 athletes, including 24 elite pros.The rest of the competition consisted of eight amateur winners of state championship rounds, eight players who qualified in Melbourne, and eight wildcards, which included celebrities and invited individuals.
Beginning with a game of 'rock, paper, scissors' to determine who serves, each match consisted of a single point, with the winner going to a knockout round.
The Australian Open conducted its first One Point Slam event in 2025; the prize money was A$60,000 (£29,808), and Russia's Andrey Rublev was the only top-10 player competing.
It is the latest move by tennis authorities to pique new interest in the sport, after the US Open introduced a standalone mixed doubles competition before the main draw last year.
Beginning with a game of 'rock, paper, scissors' to determine who serves, each match consisted of a single point, with the winner going to a knockout round.
The Australian Open conducted its first One Point Slam event in 2025; the prize money was A$60,000 (£29,808), and Russia's Andrey Rublev was the only top-10 player competing.
It is the latest move by tennis authorities to pique new interest in the sport, after the US Open introduced a standalone mixed doubles competition before the main draw last year.
"Roaring success for both underdogs and tournaments."
Coco Gauff revealed early in the night that she did not want to win the One Point Slam.Instead, the two-time major singles winner preferred that an amateur get the prize money. They would be more deserving of an amount that could transform their lives, she reasoned.
Photo by Like tears in rain
Smith, a reticent figure who was literally at a loss for words as he was interviewed on court after each victory, ended up being the beneficiary. A different future awaits. One as a new homeowner, at the very least.
Surprisingly, Smith was the most relaxed person in the room. Standing across the net from Sinner did not bother him in the least. He was unconcerned by the sight of a box full of replica currency sitting courtside. He seemed unconcerned as he traded with Garland from the baseline, despite the large sum at stake.
Craig Tiley, the Australian Open tournament director, pulled off a masterstroke with his creative event.
Superstar players gave gravitas, and the chance of anyone beating anyone generated tension. A nearly filled arena increased revenue, and the event proved popular with fans online.
Tiley insisted that the boom-or-bust strategy helped to equalize the playing field between Grand Slams and grassroots.
The unknown underdog ensured the booming success that both hoped for.
Craig Tiley, the Australian Open tournament director, pulled off a masterstroke with his creative event.
Superstar players gave gravitas, and the chance of anyone beating anyone generated tension. A nearly filled arena increased revenue, and the event proved popular with fans online.
Tiley insisted that the boom-or-bust strategy helped to equalize the playing field between Grand Slams and grassroots.
The unknown underdog ensured the booming success that both hoped for.