The
Organizers confirmed the lineup during the official Australian Open launch on Thursday. The tournament, which captured significant attention last year, features a high-stakes knockout format where every match is decided by a single point. The final showdown is scheduled to take place at Rod Laver Arena on January 13, just ahead of the main Grand Slam tournament, which runs from January 17 to 31.
A Unique Format and High Stakes
The 1 Point Slam offers a rare opportunity for amateur players to test their skills against the world's elite. Qualifying events are currently being held at tennis clubs and communities throughout Australia to determine the amateur field. An additional two days of qualifying are slated for the opening week of the tournament to finalize the bracket.
The event gained notoriety last January when local amateur Jordan Smith defeated Jannik Sinner on his way to claiming the million-dollar prize. Smith’s victory was secured in the final when his opponent, women's world number 117 Joanna Garland, hit a backhand wide on the third stroke of the point. The tournament’s unpredictable nature has previously seen celebrities, such as Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou, participate in the knockout bracket.
Connecting the Community to the Grand Slam
Tennis Australia’s new chief executive, Andrew Abdo, emphasized that the event is designed to foster a deeper connection between the Australian Open and the broader tennis community. By integrating amateurs and celebrities into the same competitive bracket as top-ranked professionals, the tournament aims to engage fans at every level of the sport.
Following a record-breaking 2026 Australian Open that saw over 1.3 million fans in attendance, organizers are focused on enhancing the spectator experience for the upcoming season. Plans are currently underway to increase seating capacity and provide additional shade across the Melbourne Park precinct to accommodate the growing crowds expected for the January festivities.
