Alcaraz Ready to Battle Amateurs in $1 Million Single-Point Showdown

Everyday tennis enthusiasts are getting an opportunity to win A$1m when they face elite players - including world number one the Spanish champion - in a single-point showdown before the year's first major

Organizers of the Australian Open have unveiled the Million Dollar One Point Slam, which will pair 10 amateur players against top-ranked players in a single-elimination format at the tournament grounds

This Innovative Tournament Functions

Participants must play 'the decision-making game' to establish who serves or receives, and the competitor securing the point will progress to the following stage

The champion of the event will take home a significant cash prize

Contextually, players who made it to the semi-finals of the main draw competitions in the 2025 Australian Open won substantial prize money

Past Similar Events

The US Open hosted a redesigned, independent mixed doubles tournament in August which encouraged top singles players to compete, with the champions receiving a million-dollar prize

The Melbourne tournament held its debut single-point competition earlier this year, but the prize fund was a smaller amount and it generated little publicity

One top competitor was the only top-10 player competing, and his progress concluded when he put the single service opportunity allowed into the mesh in his last eight match

Competition Information

Organizers have not detailed exactly how the event will operate, but it is anticipated to mirror a similar format to this year's edition

The elite players will be permitted to have a single serve and the amateurs two times - as is the norm in traditional tennis

While it is uncertain how the pairings will work, there will be five knockout rounds and the site will be the primary court rather than the alternative court

The final stages will occur in a evening slot instead of midday timing

Entry Requirements

Local players - or overseas competitors who have enrolled with the national federation - can participate in 'single-point competition' tournaments at their neighborhood facilities

The winners of the community events will then go into a selection process, with a single non-professional from every geographic division picked to take part in the 'grand finale' in a evening match on Wednesday, 14 January

There will also be a preliminary competition in the final month which amateurs, lower ranked pros, celebrities and sports personalities can enter

It commences on early January and the pair of champions will advance to Wednesday's 'grand finale' with the additional everyday players and 10 professionals

"Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the final champion will claim the prize. Applications will begin shortly at clubs nationwide"

Competition planners mentioned there were "additional stars to be announced soon", while the tournament site indicated "famous personalities" would be taking part