An amateur tennis player from Sydney, Jordan Smith, struck gold on Wednesday as he walked away with a check worth 1 million Australian dollars ($661,000) after holding his nerve to win the “One Point Slam” ahead of the Australian Open.

The world No. 2 made and two-time defending Australian Open champion shockingly lost a point to an Aussie amateur.

The Australian Open's one-point slam has proven an overwhelming success after amateur player Jordan Smith beat the likes of Jannik Sinner and Amanda Anisimova en route to the $1 million prize. The new gimmick pit some of the world's best players alongside amateurs and celebrities in matches consisting of a solitary point.

Rod Laver reveals his Australian Open prediction for Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jannik Sinner originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Men's tennis is in a great spot.

An amateur tennis player beating a four-time Grand Slam champion. Men competing against women — on a normal court. Professional players taking on TV hosts, comedians and a former jockey. A single point deciding the winner of $1 million AUD ($668,300 USD), in front of a packed stadium and a captive online audience.

Sebastian Ofner's early celebration has backfired against Nishesh Basavareddy in the second qualification round of the Australian Open.

The Sporting News has all the details on the Melbourne Park crowd figures. MORE: Australian Open qualifying LIVE 2026: Scores, schedule, draw, results, bracket There are 39 courts at Melbourne Park - 33 hard courts and six clay (which are not in use during the tournament).

The season’s first Grand Slam opens with familiar rivalries, shifting alliances and the promise of drama under the Australian summer sun.

The 2026 Australian Open was supposed to be about the established titans defending their turf. Instead, the headlines are being dominated by a 20-year-old American with a chip on his shoulder and a celebration that has the entire tennis world talking.

Play in the Australian Open is scheduled to begin January 18 on the hard courts of Melbourne Park. It is the third time the year’s first Grand Slam tennis tournament will begin on a Sunday instead of a Monday.

Novak Djokovic will celebrate his 21st Australian Open in 2026. Melbourne Park has played a huge role in shaping his career — including the spark that ignited his charge into tennis history.