🔗 Share this article

Everyday tennis enthusiasts are being offered the chance to earn one million Australian dollars when they compete against tennis' top professionals - headed by top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz - in a one-point battle prior to the Australian Grand Slam

Tournament officials of the year's first Grand Slam have revealed the Seven-Figure Quick-Fire Competition, which will pair a dozen non-professionals against 22 professionals in a single-elimination format at Melbourne Park

This Innovative Event Will Work

Competitors are set to play 'the classic hand game' to decide who gets to serve or return, and the player who wins the point will move forward to the following stage

The champion of the event will earn a significant cash prize

For comparison, players who advanced to the final four of the primary tournaments in the 2025 Australian Open won substantial prize money

Past Related Competitions

The New York major hosted a revamped, standalone combined gender tournament in the eighth month which motivated top singles players to take part, with the winners receiving $1m

The Melbourne tournament held its inaugural quick-fire event this year, but the cash prize was A$60,000 and it generated little publicity

The Russian player was the only top-10 player involved, and his campaign came to an end when he put the single service opportunity granted into the mesh in his quarter-final

Event Specifics

Planners have not specified precisely how the event will function, but it is anticipated to mirror a similar format to this year's edition

The elite players will be permitted to make one service and the amateurs two times - as is the norm in standard play

While it is unclear how the bracket will work, there will be five knockout rounds and the venue will be the main stadium rather than the secondary venue

The final stages will take place in a nighttime schedule instead of early afternoon

Entry Requirements

Any Australians - or foreign participants who have signed up with the governing body - can participate in 'One Point Slam' competitions at their local tennis clubs

The champions of the grassroots tournaments will then go into a selection process, with an everyday competitor from every state and territory chosen to compete in the 'final competition' in a night session on Wednesday, 14 January

There will also be a qualifying draw in the final month which amateurs, developing professionals, well-known figures and sports personalities can participate in

It begins on early January and the pair of champions will advance to Wednesday's 'final showdown' with the remaining non-professionals and 10 professionals

"Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the final champion will claim the reward. Entries will open soon at clubs across the country"

Competition planners stated there were "additional stars to be announced soon", while the official website said "famous personalities" would be taking part