This is one of the new, unheard-of formats put in place to liven up the qualifying week. The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the season whose main draw will start this weekend for a final on February 1st, has innovated by launching the “Million Dollar One Point Slam”, a mini-tournament bringing together 24 pros and as many amateurs in matches played… in just one point. In this little game, it was Jordan Smith, an Aussie amateur ranked no higher than 1141st in the world in 2023, who pocketed the cash prize promised to the winner on Wednesday, January 14th: 1 million Australian dollars (approximately 574,000 euros).
In the iconic Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, the champion of New South Wales triumphed, despite the presence of Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, and Jannik Sinner, the world number 2 whom he eliminated in the third round with a serve into the Italian’s net.
To determine who had the undeniable advantage of the serve, there was no coin toss, but a game of “rock, paper, scissors”. Unlike the professionals, the amateurs were allowed a second serve in case of failure.
It was at the end of an improbable final against the 117th-ranked player in the world, Taiwanese player Joanna Garland, that Jordan Smith wrote a beautiful story. Before that, he had also ousted American Amanda Anisimova, runner-up at the last Wimbledon, while his opponent had defeated Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, and Greek player Maria Sakkari – the conqueror of Carlos Alcaraz.
“I would have been happy to win just one point”
“Coming here, I would have been happy to win just one point,” declared Jordan Smith, who plans to buy a house with his winnings. Initially very gifted in tennis, he won two national junior singles titles and three doubles titles between 2008 and 2012, without turning professional. He then retrained as a coach at an Australian club, where he has been coaching children and adults since 2014.
The list of amateurs included the eight winners of the Australian regional championships, as well as eight qualifiers who competed earlier in the week. Eight invitations were also distributed to celebrities, such as Taiwanese singer Jay Chou.
“This event is the ultimate experience for amateurs to confront the level of a Grand Slam,” praised Australian tennis director Craig Tiley. The One Point Slam is tennis at its most thrilling: one point, one chance to glory. Fast, unfiltered, and open to all.”
Last year, 57-year-old Paul Fitzgerald reached the semifinals of the first version of the tournament, which did not have a cash prize, after beating three pro players.
Once the qualifying tournament is over, the main draw will start this Sunday, and the pressure promises to be a whole other level for Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys, who hope to defend their titles.
