Amateur tennis players are being offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to face world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz for a staggering £491,000 prize in the “One Point Slam,” an Australian Open event returning in January with a massive prize boost.
The competition, part of the tournament’s expanding “fan week,” gives everyday players the opportunity to compete against professionals on Melbourne’s iconic Rod Laver Arena - and potentially walk away millionaires after a single rally.
The format is as simple as it is ruthless.
Competitors play a quick game of rock, paper, scissors to decide who serves before contesting one solitary point.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
Whoever wins advances, while the loser is immediately eliminated. There are no sets, no second chances, and no tie-breaks, just one point to win it all.
Earlier this year, the inaugural One Point Slam saw world No 263 Omar Jasika crowned champion, collecting a comparatively modest £30,000.
For 2026, however, organisers have transformed the competition into a headline event, raising the prize fund to £491,000 (AUD$1 million) and expanding the field to include 22 professional players and 10 amateurs.
JUST IN: Matt Le Tissier explains Gary Neville sack theory after Sky Sports presenter's remarks on Union Jacks
Amateur tennis players are being offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to face world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz for a staggering £491,000 prize in the “One Point Slam,” an Australian Open event returning in January with a massive prize boost
|REUTERS
Tournament director Craig Tiley confirmed the news, announcing that Alcaraz will headline the line-up.
“I can reveal today that world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz will lead the pro player field in the Million Dollar One Point Slam - a thrilling new initiative where one point could win you $1 million,” Tiley said.
“Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, the ultimate winner will walk away with the prize.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
The unusual tennis tournament will take place at this year's Australian Open
|GETTY
“Entries will open soon at clubs across the country, and during Opening Week, finalists will compete for a chance to face the pros on Rod Laver Arena.
“With more big names to be announced soon, you now have a million reasons to pick up a racket and get ready for January.”
The competition will take place during “fan week,” held in the days leading up to the Australian Open’s main draw.
The event is part of a wider shift by Grand Slam organisers to extend the spectacle beyond the traditional two-week format.
In recent years, tournaments such as the US Open have experimented with new formats and pre-tournament exhibitions to engage fans earlier.
At this year’s US Open, a revamped mixed doubles competition was introduced during the preliminary week, featuring stars such as Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu, Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Carlos Alcaraz has won six Grand Slam titles throughout his career
|REUTERS
That event, which drew large crowds, concluded with Italian pair Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori taking home £746,000 in prize money.
The Australian Open’s expanded pre-tournament schedule is expected to follow a similar model, transforming fan week into a festival of tennis featuring exhibitions, junior competitions, and interactive events for spectators.
With Alcaraz’s participation, the One Point Slam is expected to be one of the highlights of the build-up.
Tiley also confirmed a scheduling change for the main doubles competitions, with both the men’s and women’s finals set to be played on Rod Laver Arena on the afternoon of the second Saturday — a move designed to give the events greater prominence before the singles showpieces.
The One Point Slam’s return, with its unique high-stakes format and blockbuster prize, reflects the sport’s growing effort to connect fans and professionals in innovative ways.
For one lucky amateur, a single perfect point in January could not only defeat the world’s best but also change their life forever.