Australian Open’s 1 Point Slam: Local Amateur Jordan Smith Wins Big
A little-known local amateur player, Jordan Smith, made headlines on January 14, 2026, by beating top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner and ultimately winning the 1 Point Slam at the Australian Open’s pre-tournament event. The competition, held at the Rod Laver Arena, featured a unique knockout bracket that included top professionals, amateurs, and celebrities, with all matches lasting just one point.
The event drew a sellout crowd and included notable players such as Carlos Alcaraz, as well as celebrities like Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou. However, it was Smith who emerged victorious, taking home the winner-take-all prize of 1 million Australian dollars (approximately $670,000 USD). Smith’s journey to the top began with a state qualifying event, where he demonstrated his skills and determination.
A Unique Competition Format
The 1 Point Slam featured a knockout bracket with a twist: each match was decided by a single point. The competition included both men and women, professionals and amateurs, making for an exciting and unpredictable event. The serving player was determined by a game of rock, paper, scissors, adding an element of chance to the competition. Despite the unusual format, the players involved seemed to enjoy the lighthearted and entertaining atmosphere, with many sharing laughs and giggles throughout the event.
Some notable upsets occurred during the competition, including Sinner losing to Smith in the third round after netting his serve. Similarly, Coco Gauff lost to Donna Vekić, and Frances Tiafoe sent his serve long against Iga Swiatek. These mishaps only added to the excitement and unpredictability of the event.
Joanna Garland, the women’s No. 117 from Taiwan, made a surprising run through the bracket, beating notable players like Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, Maria Sakkari, and Vekić. However, she ultimately lost to Smith in the final, sending a two-handed backhand wide on the third stroke.
A Growing Event
The 1 Point Slam debuted last year on a smaller scale, but this year’s event was significantly expanded, featuring a larger prize pot and a more prominent stage. The Australian Open’s decision to host the event in the Rod Laver Arena and offer a substantial prize drew in top players and a sellout crowd. The success of the 1 Point Slam may have been a response to the US Open’s mixed doubles revamp, which raised the stakes for the preliminary week.
The Australian Open main draw is set to begin on Sunday, January 19, 2026. The 1 Point Slam has generated excitement and anticipation for the upcoming tournament, and fans can expect more thrilling matches and unexpected upsets.
The Associated Press and PA contributed to this report, providing additional information and insights into the event.
