Point made. Tennis stars like Sinner, Swiatek and Coco Gauff loved the 1-point Australian Open prep

Tennis’s Innovative “1 Point Slam” Captivates Stars and Fans Alike

MELBOURNE, Australia — What began as an experimental tennis format has quickly evolved into one of the Australian Open’s most talked-about attractions, with defending champion Jannik Sinner leading a chorus of star players praising the inaugural “1 Point Slam” event.

The unique competition, which pits professionals against amateurs in single-point matches, culminated Wednesday in a million-dollar winner-takes-all final that saw local amateur Jordan Smith emerge victorious in front of a packed Rod Laver Arena.

“I was not a big fan in the beginning, but when you are there playing and seeing other matches, it was so fun,” Sinner admitted during his pre-tournament press conference Friday. The world number one, who is seeking his third consecutive Australian Open title, added, “To have a packed stadium before the main event, it’s great.”

The format’s simplicity belies its nail-biting tension: players advance by winning just one point against their opponent. A missed second serve means immediate elimination. The competition even incorporated a rock-paper-scissors contest to determine who served in each matchup, adding another layer of unpredictability.

For Sinner, the unexpected outcome made the event particularly memorable. “There was no better ending, I would say, especially for the first edition, that an amateur wins,” he said. “He really needs it in a very positive way.”

The Italian star wasn’t alone in his enthusiasm. Women’s world number one Iga Swiatek, who is aiming to complete her career Grand Slam by winning in Melbourne for the first time, embraced the opportunity to compete against male players.

“It was great. I think it was so much fun. Honestly, everybody was watching. Like also off the court, everybody said they were so emotional about it,” Swiatek said. Unlike some competitors, the Polish star prepared thoroughly: “I was ready,” she noted, explaining how she managed to eliminate several male opponents.

For many top players, the event’s unique pressure created a bonding experience. American Amanda Anisimova, who reached Grand Slam finals at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open last year, revealed the shared anxiety among competitors.

“It was so funny because we were all equally very, very nervous,” Anisimova said. “We were just talking about how nervous we were. I think it was mostly because we didn’t want to miss on the first shot because it would have been so embarrassing.”

The event’s surprise factor created a refreshing break from the intensity of Grand Slam preparation. “It’s something new, refreshing,” Swiatek observed. “I think this is what tennis sometimes needs.”

Two-time major winner Coco Gauff, who also participated, admitted she didn’t expect to win but appreciated the outcome. “I did say I wanted an amateur to win. I think the best-case scenario happened,” Gauff said. Smith’s victory over Joanna Garland, the women’s world number 117 from Taiwan, created an overnight sensation.

Gauff suggested expanding the format’s coverage, recommending that qualifying rounds—played at local tennis clubs throughout Australia—should be televised in future editions. “There were a couple cool stories from the qualifying rounds that I was there that I wish some people got to see on Rod Laver,” she said.

The event has already caught the attention of tennis royalty. Roger Federer reportedly followed the competition closely and expressed interest in participating in a future edition.

With its combination of high stakes, unpredictable outcomes, and cross-ranking matchups, the 1 Point Slam represents a fresh approach to tennis entertainment. Anisimova has even suggested expanding the format to all four Grand Slam tournaments, indicating the concept may have staying power beyond Melbourne.

As the Australian Open begins Sunday, the 1 Point Slam has succeeded in creating a celebratory atmosphere before the season’s first major tournament while showcasing tennis’s ability to innovate and engage new audiences.