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Recreational competitors will have the possibility to win a seven-figure prize when they compete against world-class athletes - featuring world number one Carlos Alcaraz - in a winner-takes-all point before January's Australian Open

Organizers of the year's first Grand Slam have revealed the $1 Million Single-Point Tournament, which will pair 10 amateur players against top-ranked players in a single-elimination format at Melbourne Park

This Innovative Competition Operates

Competitors are set to play 'the classic hand game' to establish who takes the serve or return position, and whoever wins the point will progress to the following stage

The winner of the event will earn a significant cash prize

By comparison, players who reached the final four of the primary tournaments in the 2025 Australian Open won substantial prize money

Past Comparable Tournaments

The US Open organized a revamped, independent mixed doubles tournament in late summer which prompted top singles players to take part, with the victors receiving $1m

The Melbourne tournament held its inaugural quick-fire event in the current season, but the cash prize was sixty thousand Australian dollars and it received minimal attention

The Russian player was the sole elite competitor participating, and his run came to an end when he directed the sole serving chance allowed failing to clear the net in his quarter-final

Event Information

Officials have not said exactly how the event will work, but it is anticipated to mirror a similar format to the most recent iteration

The top competitors will be permitted to make one service and the non-professionals on two occasions - as is the standard practice in standard play

While it is unclear how the pairings will work, there will be several competitive phases and the venue will be the Rod Laver Arena rather than the smaller Kia Arena

The concluding rounds will occur in a evening slot instead of midday timing

Competitor Requirements

Domestic competitors - or overseas competitors who have enrolled with the national federation - can compete in 'quick-match event' competitions at their community centers

The champions of the community events will then go into a selection process, with an everyday competitor from every geographic division selected to take part in the 'championship round' in a night session on mid-January

There will also be a preliminary competition in the final month which amateurs, developing professionals, well-known figures and sports personalities can compete in

It begins on early January and the two winners will advance to the midweek 'grand finale' with the remaining non-professionals and top-ranked athletes

"Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the ultimate winner will claim the reward. Entries will open soon at facilities across the country"

Event organizers mentioned there were "more big names to be revealed shortly", while the tournament site said "celebrities" would be taking part