In brief
Jordan Smith, a 29-year-old state champion, shocked the tennis world by defeating world number two Jannik Sinner and women's top players in the Million Dollar One Point Slam, claiming A$1 million. The event, designed for amateurs to compete against professionals in a single-point format, attracted widespread attention and highlighted the thrilling unpredictability of tennis.
Amateur player Jordan Smith would have been happy winning just one point - but walked away with A$1 million (£496,835) and bragging rights over world number two Jannik Sinner as he triumphed at the Australian Open's Million Dollar One Point Slam.
The innovative format offered amateur players the opportunity to win the prize money by playing a sole point against some of the sport's top talent and other famous faces.
Smith was the star of the show on Rod Laver Arena, defeating women's world number four Amanda Anisimova and faced women's world number 117 Joanna Garland in a fitting finale, after Garland stunned men's world number three Alexander Zverev and former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios.
New South Wales state champion Smith was not the only amateur to seize the moment, with Queensland's Alec Reverente beating men's world number seven Felix Auger-Aliassime. The two top amateurs also faced off to win a brand new car, with Reverente triumphing.
The tournament was played in good spirits, generating genuine intrigue, and many players watched the final match together, including men's number one Carlos Alcaraz.
The event, held four days before the Australian Open, featured 48 competitors, including 24 professionals, showcasing a blend of skill, surprise, and excitement. Smith’s victory represents a remarkable triumph in a thrilling new format that captured the attention of fans around the world.
