Amateur Smith Surprises Everyone by Winning 'One Point Slam' Before Australian Open

An Unexpected Victory

Amateur player Jordan Smith caused a spectacular surprise by defeating a field full of stars to win the $1 million Australian prize (approximately $670,000 USD) in the 'One Point Slam' competition held before the Australian Open.

The sudden-death event took place at the packed Rod Laver Arena, featuring 24 professional players including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff, alongside 24 amateurs and celebrity invitees.

Unique Competition Rules

Each match consisted of a single point – win and advance, lose and be eliminated. The 16 top professional players received byes in the first round, and the competition progressed in a knockout style similar to the final rounds of a Grand Slam tournament. Instead of the traditional coin toss, players decided who served by playing rock-paper-scissors. Amateurs were allowed two serves, while ATP and WTA ranked players could only serve once.

Smith, who won the New South Wales championship, defeated world number 117 Joanna Garland in the final, after overcoming Sinner and Amanda Anisimova on his path to victory. Joanna Garland, Taiwan's top player, also took down big names like Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, and Maria Sakkari.

Winner's Statement

“When I came here, I was just happy to win a single point,” Smith said, expressing his intention to buy a house with his prize money. “I had emotions, but I cherished every moment on the court. It was a great experience.”

Tournament Surprises

Big names like Alcaraz fell to world number 52 Sakkari, while three-time Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev was defeated by Anisimova, who was later eliminated by Smith. Swiatek also faced an upset, being defeated by Spain's Pedro Martinez.

The competition brought together winners from eight state championships held across Australia, along with eight qualifiers from this week and eight wildcard spots for celebrities, including Taiwanese singer Jay Chou.

“This competition is the highest experience bridging grassroots and Grand Slam,” said Craig Tiley, head of Tennis Australia. “The AO One Point Slam is tennis at its most exciting levels – one point, one shot at glory. Fast, unfiltered, and open to everyone.”

The Australian Open begins on Sunday at Melbourne Park, with Sinner defending his men's title and Madison Keys the women's title.