As the tennis world gears up for the next Grand Slam event, the Australian Open, an exciting new feature has been announced that promises to capture the imagination of fans and players alike. Scheduled for January, the tournament will introduce the “One Point Slam,” an innovative competition that will place 22 professional players, including World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, at the heart of the action alongside 10 amateur participants.
Set to unfold on the opening weekend of the tournament, this unique event will offer a substantial prize pool of AUS$1 million, which is competitive with the earnings of semifinalists in the traditional draw. The format of the “One Point Slam” is refreshingly simple: each match will consist of just a single point, the winner of which will take home a significant portion of the prize money. A preliminary game of ‘rock, paper, scissors’ will determine who serves, adding an element of chance and excitement to the proceedings.
Craig Tiley, the tournament director, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “I can reveal today that World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz will headline the pro player line-up in the Million Dollar 1 Point Slam — a thrilling new initiative where one point could win you $1 million.” Tiley emphasized the open spirit of the competition, highlighting that anyone—from seasoned professionals to budding amateurs—has a shot at the grand prize.
Entries for the “One Point Slam” will soon become available at clubs across Australia, allowing enthusiastic amateur players the chance to qualify for the event. During the opening week of the Australian Open, finalists from these local competitions will earn the opportunity to step onto the iconic Rod Laver Arena, a dream for many aspiring tennis players.
This new initiative follows the U.S. Open’s recent efforts to attract a broader audience through innovative formats, specifically targeting the ever-evolving landscape of sport and entertainment. As the tennis season draws near, players and fans are invited to pick up their racquets and prepare for a January filled with excitement and potential, as more professional names are set to be announced in the lead-up to the tournament. The “One Point Slam” could very well change the dynamics of how tennis engages with its audience.
