Amateur stuns elite field to win Million Dollar One Point Slam
An amateur player from New South Wales, Jordan Smith, turned a single-point format into a life-changing triumph in Melbourne, winning the Million Dollar One Point Slam and securing A$1 million after a night of shocks, nerves and high-speed drama. Smith, who advanced through regional qualifying, defeated a succession of professionals and completed his run with victory over Joanna Garland in the final inside a packed Rod Laver Arena.
Smith’s route was remarkable for both its composure and its opponents. He famously eliminated world number two Jannik Sinner when the two-time Australian Open champion failed with his single permitted serve, and built on that breakthrough with wins over Amanda Anisimova and Pedro Martínez. “Coming into tonight I would have been happy winning just one point,” he admitted, openly acknowledging the intensity of the occasion. Later he added, “I was so nervous but enjoyed being out here, it was a great experience.”
Garland, ranked 117 in the world and British-born Taiwanese, was equally eye-catching during the event. She dispatched Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, Maria Sakkari and Donna Vekić with fearless hitting before falling short in the final, missing with a decisive backhand as Smith secured the title and the winner-takes-all prize.
A format built for jeopardy
The Million Dollar One Point Slam condenses pressure into a single exchange. A round of rock, paper, scissors determines who serves; amateurs receive two serves while professionals are allowed only one. Each match consists of one point, with immediate elimination for the loser. Forty-eight players took part, including leading professionals, state-level amateurs, qualifiers and invited personalities.
The structure guaranteed suspense, and it showed. Even established champions felt the tension. Sinner admitted, “You cannot imagine my heart rate right now,” recognising the unique pressure of serving when only one chance is available. Carlos Alcaraz, Maria Sakkari, Iga Świątek, Frances Tiafoe and others featured in a night when favourites frequently departed early, sometimes through a single mistimed drop shot or nervy service fault.
Upsets, nerves and entertainment
The arena atmosphere reflected both jeopardy and joy. Kyrgios delivered trademark theatre, winning with a spectacular passing shot before later smashing a racquet with a grin after defeat to Garland. Players not involved at the business end stayed to watch the closing stages, reacting as underdogs advanced. Quick-fire matches encouraged bold shot-making and amplified the risk of hesitation; several pros faulted on serve, while amateurs embraced the moment.
Smith’s poise ultimately defined the night. Reserved in demeanour yet decisive under pressure, he played with clarity when the stakes were highest. His victory also delivered additional community impact, including a significant grant for the tennis club he represented.
A hit for innovation in tennis
Staged in the days leading up to the Australian Open main draw, the One Point Slam presented an experimental approach designed to widen interest and showcase accessibility. The combination of superstar names, amateurs with nothing to lose and a single-point knockout format proved compelling both in-stadium and for wider audiences.
The event demonstrated how a condensed concept can level status, compress nerves and create opportunity. In Melbourne, that opportunity produced an amateur champion, a millionaire, and a story of underdog success that resonated across the sport.
