The Australian Open’s Million Dollar One Point Slam delivered on its promise on Wednesday night, with fans and players alike enjoying the fast-paced, innovative format.
Amateur Jordan Smith stole the show, defeating top stars including Jannik Sinner and Amanda Anisimova to claim the 1 Million AUD (around $660,000) prize.
The 48-player field featured a mix of elite pros Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, Daniil Medvedev, Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, Nick Kyrgios, and more, alongside amateurs and wild cards, creating a thrilling, unpredictable spectacle.
Smith’s performance was hailed by the 15,000 fans packed inside Rod Laver Arena, while the pros took to social media to celebrate.
Coco Gauff, who exited early after missing her first serve against Donna Vekic, was one of the first to react.
“Great event! Lol I said when it started I hoped an amateur won !! Congrats Jordan Soooo cold #1pointslam,” she said on X.
Men’s world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who lost to Maria Sakkari in his second match, also acknowledged Smith on his mind-boggling run.
“Jordan Smith,” Alcaraz wrote on X.
Alex de Minaur and Eva Lys weren’t a part of the event but followed it on TV, and joined in the praise.
“Yessssssss Jordan smith!!!! Best moment of the year!!!!!,” de Minaur wrote.
“So so sooo happy an amateur won. we need 1 point slams at every grand slam pls. so fun to watch #1pointslam,” Lys quipped.
American No. 1 Taylor Fritz, who also didn’t participate, admitted he missed out on the fun.
“Now that I’m actually watching it on TV, massive L from me to not be playing the one point slam, this looks like so much fun,” Fritz wrote on X.
“I’ll take the L tonight,” he added on Instagram.
Jordan Smith’s Historic Victory Marks Start of House Hunt
The event featured an elimination-style draw, with “rock, paper, scissors” deciding who would serve or receive each point, and the winner advancing to the next round.
Smith claimed the crown by winning six points, defeating top names including Jannik Sinner, Amanda Anisimova, Pedro Martinez, and Joanna Garland in the final.
“I can’t speak. It’s unbelievable,” Smith said after the win, adding he plans to invest the prize money in a house.
Finalist Garland also produced a remarkable run, beating Alexander Zverev, Kyrgios, Sakkari, and Vekic before falling in the final after misfiring a backhand.
“There are three winners. One is tennis, the others are me and Jordan,” Garland said after the event.
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