Everything You Need to Know About AO 1 Point Slam
The AO 1 Point Slam is one of the most unique and high-stakes exhibition events in the world of tennis, held annually as a prelude to the Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Blending high-pressure competition with entertainment, it offers a “David vs. Goliath” spectacle where amateur players, celebrities, and top-tier professionals compete on the same court with millions of dollars on the line.
The following guide details the history, format, and recent highlights of this revolutionary tournament.
The Concept: One Point, One Chance
Unlike traditional tennis matches that can last for hours, the AO 1 Point Slam is defined by extreme brevity and pressure. The entire tournament is a knockout bracket where every “match” consists of a single point.
- Winner Takes All: The player who wins the point advances to the next round. The loser is immediately eliminated.
- The Field: The draw typically features 48 participants, including top ATP and WTA professionals, celebrity wildcards, and amateur qualifiers who have won state championships or community events.
- Leveling the Playing Field: To give amateurs a fighting chance against world-class athletes, a handicap rule is applied:
- Amateurs are allowed two serves (a first and second serve).
- Professionals are allowed only one serve. If a pro faults on their single serve, they lose the match instantly.
- Serve Selection: The server is not determined by a coin toss but by a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors played at the net before the point begins.
Prize Money and Stakes
The stakes for the event are incredibly high, particularly for the amateur participants.
- Winner’s Cheque: In the 2026 edition, the total prize for the winner was a staggering $1 million AUD.
- Club Grants: The event also supports grassroots tennis. The local club represented by the winning player (whether amateur or pro) receives a significant grant (e.g., $50,000) to support their facilities and programs.
2026 Edition: The “Miracle in Melbourne”
The 2026 tournament, held on January 14 at a sold-out Rod Laver Arena, became an instant classic due to a shocking upset that perfectly illustrated the event’s volatility.
The Winner: Jordan Smith, a 29-year-old amateur tennis coach from Sydney and the New South Wales State Champion, won the title and the $1 million prize.
The Path to Victory: Smith’s run to the title was improbable. His most famous victory came against the World No. 2 and defending Australian Open champion, Jannik Sinner. Under the tournament’s unique rules, Sinner had only one serve. He missed it, sending the ball into the net, which handed the amateur Smith an automatic victory and sent the Rod Laver Arena crowd into a frenzy.
Smith went on to defeat other professionals, including Amanda Anisimova, before facing Joanna Garland (WTA No. 117) in the final. Smith won the final point after Garland hit a forced error, securing a life-changing payday for the tennis coach.
History and Past Winners
- Inaugural Event (2025): The first edition was won by Australian professional Omar Jasika, proving that while the format is volatile, professional skills usually prevail.
- 2026: Jordan Smith’s victory marked the first time an amateur won the event, validating the tournament’s concept that “anything can happen in one point.”
Why It Matters
The AO 1 Point Slam is part of a broader strategy by Tennis Australia to engage new fans and bring excitement to the “Opening Week” of the Grand Slam. By placing everyday players on court with legends like Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, and Novak Djokovic, it bridges the gap between community tennis and the elite tour. For the pros, it is a fun but nerve-wracking warm-up; for the amateurs, it is a literal one-shot opportunity to change their lives forever.
