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Recreational competitors are getting an opportunity to win a seven-figure prize when they face tennis' top professionals - headed by leading player the Spanish champion - in a one-point battle prior to the Australian Grand Slam

Tournament officials of the Australian Open have revealed the Million Dollar One Point Slam, which will match everyday competitors against elite athletes in a elimination competition at the tournament grounds

How the Competition Operates

Participants must play 'rock, paper, scissors' to establish who gets to serve or return, and the competitor securing the point will advance to the next round

The victor of the event will receive £490,000

Contextually, players who advanced to the semi-finals of the men's or women's singles in the 2025 Australian Open won over a million Australian dollars

Previous Comparable Tournaments

The US Open staged a revamped, independent combined gender tournament in the eighth month which encouraged top singles players to take part, with the victors receiving $1m

The year's first major held its first-ever quick-fire event in the current season, but the prize fund was a smaller amount and it had limited exposure

The Russian player was the only top-10 player involved, and his run came to an end when he directed the single service opportunity permitted failing to clear the net in his penultimate round

Tournament Specifics

Planners have not detailed exactly how the event will function, but it is expected to follow a similar format to this year's edition

The top competitors will be permitted to make one service and the amateurs twice - as is the usual procedure in conventional tennis

While it is uncertain how the pairings will work, there will be several competitive phases and the location will be the Rod Laver Arena rather than the secondary venue

The concluding rounds will take place in a nighttime schedule instead of midday timing

Competitor Information

Local players - or international players who have enrolled with Tennis Australia - can enter 'One Point Slam' events at their local tennis clubs

The victors of the community events will then go into a random pairing, with a single non-professional from every region and area selected to compete in the 'grand finale' in a evening match on the specified date

There will also be a preliminary competition in December which non-professionals, lower ranked pros, famous personalities and sports personalities can enter

It starts on Monday, 12 January and the two winners will advance to Wednesday's 'championship match' with the additional everyday players and elite competitors

"No matter your experience, the final champion will receive the reward. Entries will open soon at venues across the country"

Competition planners stated there were "additional stars to be revealed shortly", while the tournament site indicated "well-known figures" would be involved