Australian Open's One Point Slam Set for Grand Return in 2027 After Amateur's Million-Dollar Victory
The Australian Open is once again bringing back its crowd-favorite 'One Point Slam' tournament in 2027, following its tremendous success and an amateur player's astonishing million-dollar win in 2026. This thrilling event, which captivated tennis enthusiasts globally, promises another round of exhilarating, single-point knockout matches with a substantial prize on the line.
The premise of the 'One Point Slam' is elegantly straightforward: players compete for a single point, and the victor progresses to the next round. Serves are determined by a game of rock-paper-scissors, adding an element of chance to the high-pressure encounters. This format culminates in a dramatic final where everything hangs on one decisive rally.
In a memorable turn of events last year, Australian amateur Jordan Smith defied all expectations to claim the AUD $1 million prize. Smith, who qualified as the New South Wales champion, made an improbable run through the tournament, overcoming established players like Jannik Sinner and Amanda Anisimova before defeating Joanna Garland in the final. His Cinderella story unfolded on the iconic Rod Laver Arena, making him a significantly wealthier man and an inspiration to aspiring players.
The tournament draws a diverse roster of participants, including seasoned professional tennis players, well-known celebrities, and qualifying amateurs. Smith's journey underscores the event's appeal, providing a platform for lesser-known talents to compete alongside global stars. Reflecting on his victory, Smith expressed his disbelief and the life-changing impact it had: "My journey began at a qualifying event in Sydney Olympic Park – I never imagined it would lead me to Rod Laver Arena, competing against world-class athletes, let alone emerging as the champion. It truly transformed my life."
The pathway to participating in the 'One Point Slam' for the upcoming year is set to commence shortly, with tennis clubs, associations, coaches, and partner schools across Australia invited to express their interest in hosting preliminary qualifying events. This initiative aims to discover new talent, offering a select group of players the extraordinary opportunity to fulfill their dreams on an international stage. The main tournament is scheduled to take place at the start of next year, preceding the Australian Open's primary draw, which runs from January 17-31.
The immense popularity of the 'One Point Slam' can be attributed to its fast-paced, action-packed nature. Each match is a spectacle of constant movement and high drama, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The camaraderie among players, both ATP and WTA stars, was also a highlight, as they were seen joking, laughing, and intently watching the matches unfold, with many remaining to witness Smith's historic win.
The event attracted a stellar lineup of tennis luminaries, including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Jasmine Paolini, Naomi Osaka, and Maria Sakkari. Many of these top players are expected to eagerly sign up for the opportunity to compete for glory in the next iteration of this engaging and unpredictable tournament.