MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) 鈥� The million-dollar is returning to the first Grand Slam tournament of 2027.
Australian Open organizers announced Wednesday that the from last January would again be offering a top prize of a million Australian dollars ($705,000 at current exchange rates) when it is held next year before the Jan. 17-31 main draw at Melbourne Park.
Jordan Smith, a little-known local amateur player beat Jannik Sinner and went on to in Australian dollars after winning the 1 Point Slam. The Australian won on the third stroke of the final when Joanna Garland, the women鈥檚 No. 117 from Taiwan, sent a two-handed backhand wide.
All the matches lasted just one single point in a knockout bracket that included men and women, professionals and amateurs, plus celebrities such as Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou, who was knocked out without hitting a ball after an .
The event also included Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Alexander Zverev and Naomi Osaka.
鈥淢y journey started at a qualifying event at Sydney Olympic Park 鈥� I never expected it would lead to me stepping onto Rod Laver Arena and competing against world-class players, let alone walking away as the winner. It completely changed my life,鈥� Smith said in an Australian Open statement Wednesday.
鈥淭his year we鈥檒l be hosting an event at our own club and hopefully inspiring more players to give it a go, just like I did. You never know where it might take you,鈥� Smith added.
From next week, affiliated clubs, associations, coaches and partner schools across Australia can register their interest to host a 1 Point Slam qualifying event in the leadup to the Melbourne Park final.
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