In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events at Melbourne Park, amateur tennis player Jordan Smith pulled off a stunning upset, defeating a star-studded field including world No. 1 Jannik Sinner to claim the inaugural “One Point Slam” title. The victory comes with a prize of 1 million Australian dollars (US$670,000), marking one of the biggest achievements in Smith’s young career.
A Sudden-Death Spectacle
The “One Point Slam,” held at the sold-out Rod Laver Arena, offered a unique sudden-death format: every match consisted of just one point. Win, and a player advanced; lose, and they were eliminated. The competition blended 24 professional players, including top-ranked stars Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff, with 24 amateurs and celebrity wildcards, creating a thrilling mix of elite and grassroots talent.
The tournament followed a Grand Slam-style knockout format starting from the last-32 stage, while the top 16 seeded professionals received first-round byes. Instead of a traditional coin toss, players decided who would serve first via a game of rock, paper, scissors. Amateurs enjoyed a two-serve advantage, while ATP and WTA-ranked professionals were limited to one serve per point, leveling the playing field and giving underdogs a fighting chance.
Smith’s Road to Glory
Australia’s Jordan Smith, who earned his spot by winning the New South Wales state championship, produced a series of sensational performances to reach the final. Along the way, he stunned:
- Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1 and defending men’s Australian Open champion
- Amanda Anisimova, a rising American star
In the final, Smith defeated world No. 117 Joanna Garland from Taiwan, who herself had a remarkable run, beating Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, and Maria Sakkari.
“Coming in tonight, I was just happy to win one point,” Smith said after his victory. “I was nervous, but I enjoyed being out here. It was a great experience. I’m planning to buy a house with my winnings.”
Shock Upsets and Celebrity Highlights
The tournament saw major upsets as tennis heavyweights fell to lesser-ranked opponents:
- Carlos Alcaraz lost to Maria Sakkari, ranked 52 in the world
- Daniil Medvedev, three-time Australian Open finalist, was beaten by Amanda Anisimova before falling to Smith
- Iga Swiatek was defeated by Pedro Martinez of Spain
In addition to amateurs, eight celebrities participated as wildcards, including Taiwanese pop icon Jay Chou, highlighting the event’s inclusive and entertaining format.
Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia Chief Executive, described the event as:
“The ultimate grassroots-to-Grand Slam experience. The AO One Point Slam is tennis at its most exciting – one point, one shot at glory. Fast, unfiltered, and open to everyone.”
Looking Ahead: Australian Open 2026
The 2026 Australian Open begins this Sunday at Melbourne Park, with Jannik Sinner defending his men’s title and Madison Keys leading the women’s draw. While Smith’s victory was in an exhibition event, it showcased the depth of talent in Australian grassroots tennis and underscored the unpredictability and excitement of sudden-death formats.
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