Jordan Smith, a 29-year-old amateur tennis player from Sydney, has claimed an extraordinary A$1million prize after triumphing at the One Point Slam, a pre-tournament event at the Australian Open on Wednesday.
"I still have to pinch myself. It hasn't really sunk in yet," Mr Smith told GB News following his victory on Rod Laver Arena in front of 10,000 spectators.
The New South Wales state champion defeated world number two Jannik Sinner during his remarkable run through the innovative knockout competition, which sees amateurs face off against professional players in single-point matches.
Speaking to The People's Channel, he said: "It was a dream come true. Growing up in Sydney, I always dreamed of being a tennis player, of even just getting to a Grand Slam, and I never imagined this could happen.
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"I did win rock, paper, scissors, and I noticed a lot of the top pros get quite nervous when they have to serve first.
"They often choose to receive because they don’t want to double fault. I thought, if I win, I’ll serve first and luckily, he missed his serve. Otherwise, rallying with him would have been really tough."
The Sydney player acknowledged that facing the Italian in a rally would have been far more challenging.
His overall strategy throughout the tournament was straightforward: "Basically, be a brick wall. I'll just make a lot of balls and hopefully they miss."
Jordan Smith said he hasn't stopped smiling since the win
|GB NEWS
Mr Smith's path to the final saw him overcome several professional opponents.
He defeated women's world number four Amanda Anisimova and Spanish player Pedro Martinez to set up a showpiece encounter with Joanna Garland.
Behind the umpire's stand, Smith found himself seated alongside the sport's elite.
"Alcaraz was next to me, and there were celebrities from Australia as well Zverev, Medvedev. All of them were really down-to-earth, super cool, and friendly," he recalled.
His phone had been inundated with messages since the triumph.
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Jordan Smith defied the odds to win the million | TNTSPORTS"It's been just crazy," Smith admitted, having spent the following 24 hours constantly smiling.
Mr Smith revealed his plans for the substantial prize money, worth approximately £490,000.
"Invest or buy a house with my girlfriend," he said when asked how he would spend his winnings.
His success also brought benefits to his home club.
Tennis Australia's Chief Tennis Officer Tom Larner presented Castle Hill Tennis Academy in Sydney with $50,000 to improve their facilities and equipment.
Mr Smith had earlier finished runner-up in the amateur section of the competition, with Queensland qualifier Alec Reverente winning that contest and claiming a new Kia car as his prize.
He added: "I guess everyone expected a pro to take it, but I just focused on one point at a time.
"It’s unbelievable. My phone has been blowing up with messages, calling family and friends, it’s been just crazy."