Carlos Alcaraz to headline Million Dollar 1 Point Slam at 2026 Australian Open
NewsTuesday, 07 October 2025 at 12:36
Carlos Alcaraz will headline a very special competition at the 2026 Australian Open, fighting for A$1 million in a 1 Point Slam.
The 1 Point Slam was a great initiative introduced by Tennis Australia already this year. On January 11th, 2025, which was one day before the start of the main draw this year, some of the best players in the world competed against amateurs in this new competition, in which only one point decided the winner.
The likes of Andrey Rublev, Hubert Hurkacz, Priscilla Hon, and Yuliia Starodubtseva took part in the competition. The format was simple. A 32-player mixed draw was made of 16 professional and 16 amateur players.
It was a one-hour event with some great storylines. Expectedly, three of the pros made it to the quarter-finals, but there was also one amateur who reached the final four stage of the competition. Paul Fitzgerald was a clear fan favorite, as he managed to eliminate Dane Sweeny with a great serve, he also beat Matthew Dellavedova, and even aced Alex Bolt.
Ultimately, Priscilla Hon eliminated Fitzgerald in the semi-finals. Still, it showed that the format made sense, as an amateur made it to the semis, which everyone inside the stadium loved. Omar Jasika ultimately won the competition after defeating Hon in the final.
After the event's great success in its inaugural year, Tennis Australia announced that it would return in 2026. This time, it will be held inside the Rod Laver Arena, and even the ATP world No. 1, Carlos Alcaraz, will compete. The Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley announced that in a statement.
"I can reveal today that World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz will headline the pro player line-up in the Million Dollar 1 Point Slam – a thrilling new initiative where one point could win you $1 million. Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the ultimate winner will walk away with the prize."
"Entries will open soon at clubs across the country, and during Opening Week, finalists will compete for a chance to face the pros on Rod Laver Arena. With more big names to be announced soon, you now have a million reasons to pick up a racquet and get ready for January."
In 2026, the draw will include 22 professional players and only 10 amateurs. They will have the opportunity to qualify by competing in their local clubs in Australia.
Unlike in 2025, the coin flip before the match will be replaced by a game of 'rock, paper, scissors,' and the winner of the event will take home A$1 million, possibly a life-changing amount for one of the amateurs.
The 1 Point Slam is just one of the events that Tennis Australia has prepared for next year's Australian Open. There will also be a Pickleball Slam held at the event and many other great activities for the fans during the opening week of the tournament.
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