Amateurs Get Shot at Big Win in Aussie Open One-Point Contest

Post by : Monika

The 2025 Australian Open will begin with an exciting new event that gives amateur tennis players a rare chance to face some of the world’s top professionals. This event, called the “Million Dollar 1 Point Slam,” is designed to add fun and excitement to the opening week of the tournament and to give regular players the chance to make history.

This special contest will be played on a simple rule: the winner of just one point moves forward to the next round. It’s quick, dramatic, and filled with surprises. The champion of this unique event will take home one million Australian dollars (A$1 million) — a life-changing prize for anyone, especially for amateur athletes.

The “Million Dollar 1 Point Slam”

The event will feature 10 amateur players from across Australia competing against 22 professional tennis players, including some of the biggest names in the sport such as Carlos Alcaraz, the world’s top-ranked player.

In each match, only one point will be played. Whoever wins that point moves to the next stage, while the other player is out. To make it even more fun, the players will use rock-paper-scissors to decide who serves or receives before each match.

The final showdown will take place at the famous Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, one of the most iconic tennis stadiums in the world.

This idea was tested in a smaller version last year, where Australian professional Omar Jasika won and earned a prize of A$60,000. Because of its popularity, the organizers decided to bring it back on a bigger scale in 2025.

Why the Event Matters

The main goal of this new competition is to make the Australian Open more exciting for both players and fans. Tournament Director Craig Tiley said the event will help connect the sport to a wider audience and give everyday tennis lovers a chance to experience the thrill of professional competition.

For amateurs, it’s an incredible opportunity. Most of them dream of facing their favorite tennis stars, and this event makes that dream come true — even if just for one point. For the fans, it creates a fast-paced and unpredictable start to the tournament.

The Australian Open itself will officially run from January 18 to February 1, 2025, but this one-point contest will happen in the opening week (January 12 to 17). That week will also feature free entry for children and live music performances every night, turning the opening days into a full celebration of sport and entertainment.

How the Format Works

The format of the “Million Dollar 1 Point Slam” is simple but unique:

Qualifying Rounds – Amateur players must first qualify to earn a spot in the main draw. Qualifying events will take place in different cities across Australia, as well as at the main Australian Open venue.

One-Point Matches – In each match, players get only one point to prove themselves. Whoever wins that point moves to the next round.

Rock-Paper-Scissors – Before the single point is played, players will play rock-paper-scissors to decide who serves and who receives. This keeps the matches fair and unpredictable.

Final Matches – The final stages will happen at Rod Laver Arena, where the remaining players will fight for the ultimate prize — one million Australian dollars.

This simple, quick format means that even a beginner could possibly defeat a professional if luck and timing are on their side. It’s a rare mix of skill and chance that makes every moment thrilling.

A Dream Come True for Amateur Players

For the 10 amateur players chosen to participate, the event is more than just a game — it’s a dream come true. Playing against professional tennis players on one of the biggest stages in the world is something few people ever experience.

If one of them wins even a few rounds, it will be an unforgettable achievement. And for the final winner, the prize money could completely change their life.

Beyond the money, these players will get media attention, experience under pressure, and the chance to inspire other tennis fans around the country. Many young players watching the event may feel encouraged to take up the sport and chase their own dreams.

What Fans Can Expect

The audience can look forward to quick, unpredictable, and highly entertaining matches. Because the games are only one point long, every serve and every shot will matter. There will be no slow starts or long rallies — just instant action and excitement.

The addition of rock-paper-scissors also brings humor and charm to the competition. It reminds everyone that sports can be both competitive and fun.

Fans attending the early days of the Australian Open will get to see not only top professional players but also everyday people taking their shot at greatness. The short, energetic nature of these matches is expected to draw large crowds and media attention.

Why It’s Good for Tennis

This event shows that tennis organizers are willing to experiment with new ideas. In recent years, other sports have tried new formats to attract younger audiences, such as shorter cricket matches (like T20) or fast-paced golf tournaments.

By adding a fun and surprising format like this one, tennis can connect with new fans who enjoy action and suspense. It also reminds long-time fans that the sport doesn’t always have to be serious — it can be light-hearted too.

Moreover, by giving amateurs a chance, the event strengthens community engagement. It proves that big tournaments like the Australian Open can still include people outside the professional circuit.

Building Toward the Main Tournament

The “Million Dollar 1 Point Slam” will serve as a warm-up for the main Australian Open, which begins a few days later. The excitement and energy from these one-point matches will set the mood for the rest of the tournament.

Big-name players such as Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Iga Świątek, and Aryna Sabalenka are expected to headline the main event, but this new challenge will keep fans entertained even before the Grand Slam begins.

It also gives the organizers a chance to test creative ideas for future tournaments. If the format becomes popular, it could even appear at other tennis events around the world.

The “Million Dollar 1 Point Slam” is a bold and entertaining addition to the Australian Open. It gives amateur players a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, allows fans to see something completely different, and makes tennis more fun for everyone.

Even though the idea of deciding matches on a single point might seem strange, that’s what makes it so exciting. It’s a reminder that in sports, anything can happen — and that one good moment can change everything.

Whether an amateur can actually beat a professional in just one point remains to be seen, but the drama and hope this event brings are what sports are all about.

The 2025 Australian Open promises to be a celebration of both talent and imagination — where champions are made, and where even one perfect shot can win a million-dollar dream.

Australian Open 2025 tennis tournament