🔗 Share this article

Amateur players will have the chance to earn a seven-figure prize when they face world-class athletes - including world number one Carlos Alcaraz - in a single-point showdown prior to the year's first major

Tournament officials of the year's first Grand Slam have announced the $1 Million Single-Point Tournament, which will pair everyday competitors against top-ranked players in a single-elimination format at Melbourne Park

This Innovative Tournament Functions

Competitors are set to play 'the decision-making game' to determine who serves or receives, and the competitor securing the point will progress to the subsequent phase

The victor of the event will earn approximately half a million pounds

By comparison, players who made it to the penultimate round of the main draw competitions in the 2025 Australian Open won substantial prize money

Earlier Related Competitions

The American Grand Slam hosted a redesigned, independent mixed doubles tournament in late summer which motivated top singles players to compete, with the champions receiving $1m

The Australian Open held its inaugural One Point Slam this year, but the total purse was A$60,000 and it had limited exposure

One top competitor was the sole elite competitor competing, and his campaign finished when he sent the single service opportunity permitted into the mesh in his last eight match

Tournament Details

Organizers have not detailed exactly how the event will work, but it is projected to mirror a similar format to the most recent iteration

The professionals will be permitted to serve once and the amateurs two times - as is the standard practice in conventional tennis

While it is uncertain how the pairings will work, there will be several competitive phases and the venue will be the Rod Laver Arena rather than the smaller Kia Arena

The last matches will take place in a evening slot instead of 1pm local time

Participation Details

Local players - or international players who have registered with the national federation - can compete in 'One Point Slam' competitions at their local tennis clubs

The victors of the local competitions will then go into a draw, with an everyday competitor from every state and territory selected to take part in the 'final competition' in a night session on mid-January

There will also be a qualifying draw in December which amateurs, lower ranked pros, well-known figures and sports personalities can compete in

It begins on the starting date and the pair of champions will go into Wednesday's 'championship match' with the other eight amateurs and elite competitors

"No matter your experience, the overall victor will claim the reward. Entries will open soon at clubs throughout the nation"

Tournament officials said there were "more big names to be unveiled imminently", while the event portal indicated "well-known figures" would be taking part