An unknown Jordan Smith has won $1 million in prize money for a star-studded tennis field that included No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Published January 14, 2026
Amateur Jordan Smith sensationally upset a star-studded field to win the high-pressure One Point Slam ahead of the Australian Open on Wednesday, taking home A$1 million (US$670,000) in prize money.
The innovative sudden-death contest, held at a packed Rod Laver Arena, pitted 24 professional athletes led by Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff against 24 amateur athletes and a celebrity wildcard.
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Each match is only worth one point; a win means you advance, a loss means you’re eliminated.
After the 16 top-seeded professional players suffered a bye in the first round, the final 32 stages and beyond were played in a Grand Slam-style knockout format.
Instead of a traditional coin toss, a game of “rock, paper, scissors” was used to determine who would serve.
Importantly, amateurs were allowed two serves, while active players in the ATP and WTA ranks were only allowed one serve.
Australia’s Smith, who qualified for the New South Wales state championship, upset Sinner and Amanda Anisimova along the way before defeating world No. 117 Joanna Garland in the final.
Taiwan’s number one Garland defeated Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios and Maria Sakkari.
“I was really happy to go into the game tonight and get one point,” said Smith, who was planning to buy a house with his winnings.
“I was nervous, but I had fun participating. It was a great experience.”
big name falls
Top-ranked Alcaraz lost to Sakkari, the women’s world No. 52, and three-time Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev was sent packing by Smith after losing to Anisimova.
Swiatek lost to Spain’s Pedro Martinez.
The amateur division included the winners of eight state championship rounds held across Australia, as well as eight others who qualified this week.
Eight wild cards were given to celebrities, including Taiwanese singer Jay Chou.
“This event is the ultimate grassroots to Grand Slam experience,” Tennis Australia director Craig Tiley told reporters.
“AO One Point Slam is tennis at its most exciting. One point, one shot counts for glory. It’s fast, unfiltered, and open to everyone.”
The Australian Open begins on Sunday at Melbourne Park, with Sinner defending the men’s title and Madison Keys defending the women’s title.
