Ask Onix
Amateur stuns tennis elite with $1M upset
Jordan Smith, an amateur player from New South Wales, claimed a A$1 million prize (£496,835) by defeating world number two Jannik Sinner and other top-ranked professionals in the Australian Open's Million Dollar One Point Slam on Wednesday.
How the event unfolded
The innovative knockout tournament pitted 48 competitors-including 24 top professionals, state champions, qualifiers, and wildcards-against each other in a single-point format. Matches began with a game of rock, paper, scissors to determine who served, adding an element of unpredictability.
Smith, a 29-year-old former junior national champion, progressed through the rounds by defeating women's world number four Amanda Anisimova and 71st-ranked Spaniard Pedro Martinez. His final opponent, Joanna Garland, had earlier stunned men's world number three Alexander Zverev and former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios.
Key moments
Smith's victory over Sinner came without hitting a single return-after the two-time Australian Open champion failed to land his serve. Professionals were given only one serve attempt, heightening the stakes.
Other amateurs also made waves. Queensland state champion Alec Reverente defeated men's world number seven Felix Auger-Aliassime, while tennis coach Andres Schneiter knocked out world number 34 Corentin Moutet in the opening match.
Reactions and significance
"Coming into tonight, I would have been happy winning just one point. I was so nervous but enjoyed being out here-it was a great experience."
Jordan Smith
Smith, who also secured a A$50,000 grant (£24,841) for his local tennis club, said he would likely use the prize money to buy a house. Garland, who lost in the first round of singles qualifying earlier in the week, described her wins as "surreal."
Top players, including men's number one Carlos Alcaraz and six-time major winner Iga Świątek, watched the finals from the sidelines, adding to the event's electric atmosphere. Even Nick Kyrgios, known for his fiery on-court persona, played along with the spirit of the event, smashing his racquet in jest after losing to Garland.
Tournament director hails success
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley called the event a "leveller" between Grand Slam tennis and grassroots players. The Rod Laver Arena was packed with nearly 15,000 spectators, and the event generated significant online engagement.
"The unknown underdog ensured it was the roaring success we dreamed of."
Jonathan Jurejko, BBC Sport
The One Point Slam debuted in 2025 with a A$60,000 prize fund, but this year's edition saw a dramatic increase in both stakes and star power. It follows similar initiatives by tennis authorities, such as the US Open's standalone mixed doubles championship, aimed at broadening the sport's appeal.
What's next
The main Australian Open draw begins on Sunday, with Sinner aiming to secure a third consecutive title. For Smith, the victory marks a life-changing moment-one that began with a single, nerve-wracking point.
