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Recreational competitors are getting the possibility to claim a seven-figure prize when they face tennis' top professionals - including leading player Carlos Alcaraz - in a winner-takes-all point before the Australian Grand Slam

Tournament officials of the year's first Grand Slam have unveiled the $1 Million Single-Point Tournament, which will match a dozen non-professionals against 22 professionals in a elimination competition at the Australian Open venue

The Unique Competition Operates

Players will play 'the classic hand game' to determine who gets to serve or return, and the competitor securing the point will progress to the following stage

The winner of the event will earn a significant cash prize

For comparison, players who reached the penultimate round of the main draw competitions in the 2025 Australian Open won substantial prize money

Previous Related Competitions

The US Open hosted a restructured, standalone mixed doubles tournament in the eighth month which motivated top singles players to participate, with the champions receiving $1m

The Australian Open held its debut single-point competition earlier this year, but the prize fund was A$60,000 and it generated little publicity

One top competitor was the only top-10 player competing, and his progress came to an end when he directed the single service opportunity granted into the net in his last eight match

Event Details

Officials have not specified precisely how the event will operate, but it is anticipated to mirror a similar format to the most recent iteration

The elite players will be permitted to have a single serve and the amateurs twice - as is the usual procedure in standard play

While it is not certain how the bracket will work, there will be multiple elimination stages and the location will be the Rod Laver Arena rather than the alternative court

The final stages will be held in a evening slot instead of early afternoon

Participation Details

Domestic competitors - or overseas competitors who have enrolled with the governing body - can compete in 'One Point Slam' tournaments at their community centers

The winners of the grassroots tournaments will then go into a selection process, with an everyday competitor from every state and territory selected to compete in the 'grand finale' in a nighttime event on the specified date

There will also be a preliminary competition in the final month which everyday players, lower ranked pros, well-known figures and athletic celebrities can participate in

It begins on the starting date and the two winners will qualify for Wednesday's 'grand finale' with the other eight amateurs and top-ranked athletes

"Regardless of your skill level, the final champion will walk away with the reward. Applications will open soon at facilities throughout the nation"

Event organizers stated there were "additional stars to be revealed shortly", while the tournament site said "well-known figures" would be taking part