In a remarkable twist at the Australian Open build-up, Sydney amateur Jordan Smith captured headlines worldwide by defeating reigning Grand Slam star Jannik Sinner en route to lifting the inaugural Million Dollar One Point Slam trophy. The pressure-packed, single-point knockout event at Rod Laver Arena turned tennis hierarchies upside down, spotlighting an unexpected champion amid the sport’s elite.
The victory marked more than just an upset. Smith’s performance rewarded him with A$1 million (roughly US$670,000) and a sudden thrust into the global tennis spotlight, a story that had never before been scripted at a major tennis event.
From Local Courts to Rod Laver Arena: Meet Jordan Smith
Smith, a 29-year-old amateur tennis coach based in Sydney, Australia, entered the One Point Slam through a series of state qualifying rounds. Prior to this week, his name was largely unknown outside New South Wales tennis circuits and local club competitions.
Unlike traditional tennis tournaments, the One Point Slam featured a distinctive format: each match was decided by a single point, reminiscent of sudden-death play. Professionals were limited to one serve, while amateurs like Smith were allowed two. The serve order was determined by an unconventional rock-paper-scissors contest during each matchup.
The event drew a blend of 24 top professional players, including world-ranked stars such as Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, alongside 24 amateurs and a handful of celebrity participants. Yet it was Smith who outlasted them all.
Smith’s path to victory included:
- A first-round win over Brazilian Laura Pigossi.
- A stunning upset when Sinner double-faulted on his serve, handing Smith the win in their head-to-head point.
- Continued success against top-ranked Amanda Anisimova and Pedro Martínez.
- Final triumph over Joanna Garland, whose backhand sailed wide to end the single-point final.
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Redefining ‘Underdog’ in Modern Tennis
Smith’s remarkable achievement against an elite field has been hailed as one of the most unexpected moments in recent tennis history. Although the One Point Slam is considered an exhibition event rather than a part of the official Grand Slam draw, it nevertheless featured active professionals and served as a highly visible curtain-raiser to the Australian Open’s main competition.
Sinner, Italy’s world No. 2 and defending Australian Open champion, entered the One Point Slam as a heavy favorite. Sinner’s recent achievements include multiple Grand Slam final appearances and occupying a place near the peak of ATP rankings. His participation underscored the prestige of the event, even as its quirky rules created volatility.
Despite the innovative competition structure, including tension-filled dead-serve points and sudden-death outcomes, the crowd at Rod Laver Arena welcomed the unpredictability. Fans and commentators likened the format to a carnival of high-stakes theatre where seasoned pros and enthusiastic amateurs alike could script surprises.
For critics, the One Point Slam’s format and technical glitches challenged traditional tennis conventions. However, supporters applauded its role in generating fresh interest ahead of the official Grand Slam fortnight.
A Personal Victory Beyond Prize Money
Smith’s reaction after the match captured the emotional gravity of his unexpected run. He described being “nervous” and simply “happy to win a point” before progressing through the rounds. With the massive prize cheque in hand, Smith shared plans to invest in his future, including potentially purchasing property in Sydney with his partner.
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The millions of dollars at stake — combined with Sinner’s double fault and the sheer novelty of the format — made headlines across global sporting outlets. For the crowd that gathered under the Melbourne lights, Smith’s victory blended underdog narrative with high drama, challenging assumptions about professional dominance in high-visibility tennis spectacles.
While the official Australian Open main draw begins later this week, Smith’s remarkable One Point Slam victory will linger as a defining moment in Australian tennis lore — a story of a local coach turned millionaire overnight, armed with little more than a powerful serve and an improbable dream.
