Melbourne, 14 January 2026 – In a jaw-dropping display of composure and skill, amateur Jordan Smith defeated some of the world’s top-ranked players, including men’s world number two Jannik Sinner and women’s world number four Amanda Anisimova, to claim the A$1 million (£496,835) prize at the Australian Open’s Million Dollar One Point Slam.

The innovative tournament format, held at Rod Laver Arena, pits amateur players against top professionals in a unique knockout structure where each match consists of a single point. Smith, a 29-year-old New South Wales state champion, had admitted he would have been “happy winning just one point,” but instead walked away with life-changing winnings and the spotlight firmly on his remarkable achievement.

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The Road to Victory

Smith’s path to the title was a series of surreal upsets. After benefiting from Sinner’s missed serve—professionals had only one chance to serve correctly—Smith went on to defeat Anisimova, followed by Pedro Martinez, setting up a final showdown against Joanna Garland, the 117th-ranked Taiwanese player.

Garland herself had stunned the crowd by eliminating men’s world number three Alexander Zverev and former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios, making the finale a truly unforgettable encounter.

“I was so nervous but enjoyed being out here. Coming into tonight, I would have been happy winning just one point,” Smith said. “It was a great experience.”

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How the Million Dollar One Point Slam Works

The One Point Slam, introduced at the Australian Open in 2025, is designed to level the playing field between amateurs and professionals. The 2026 edition featured 48 competitors, including:

• 24 top-ranked professionals
• Eight amateur state champions
• Eight players who qualified in Melbourne
• Eight wildcards, including celebrities and invited personalities

Matches begin with a rock, paper, scissors showdown to decide who serves, with the winner of a single point progressing to the next round. This high-stakes, fast-paced format quickly generated buzz for its unpredictability and dramatic tension.

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Other Surprises and Standout Performances

Queensland state champion Alec Reverente defeated men’s world number seven Felix Auger-Aliassime and later faced Smith in a contest for a brand-new car, with Reverente emerging victorious.

The tournament was marked by a playful spirit, including a racquet smash by Nick Kyrgios, who jokingly vented frustration after losing to Garland. Even top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek remained courtside, watching the final unfold, showing their respect for the unique spectacle.

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Impact on Tennis and Fans

The event has been hailed as a masterstroke by Australian Open director Craig Tiley, bridging the gap between grassroots tennis and professional stars while creating electrifying, spectator-friendly moments.

• Fans filled Rod Laver Arena, generating significant in-person and online engagement.
• The tournament offered amateurs a rare chance to compete against the elite, creating the ultimate underdog story.
• Smith also received A$50,000 (£24,841) grant for the Australian tennis club he represented, highlighting the event’s community impact.

“It was fantastic to see amateurs take center stage,” Tiley said. “The One Point Slam shows that anyone, at any level, can have their moment against the very best.”

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What This Means for Jordan Smith

For Smith, the triumph is both a career milestone and a life-changing financial windfall. Reports suggest he plans to invest the winnings in a new home. The reserved New South Wales state champion has now cemented his place in tennis lore, showing remarkable poise under pressure and proving that the underdog can triumph against the world’s elite.

The Million Dollar One Point Slam has already become a talking point in tennis, praised for its innovative format and ability to captivate fans while delivering drama, unpredictability, and unforgettable upsets.