In a shocking turn of events, a relatively unknown local amateur player, Jordan Smith, emerged victorious in the 1 Point Slam at the Australian Open's pre-tournament event, taking home a life-changing prize of 1 million Australian dollars, approximately $670,000. The competition, which featured a unique knockout bracket, brought together top-ranked professionals, amateurs, and celebrities, all vying for the winner-take-all prize.
The Rod Laver Arena was abuzz with excitement as Smith, who had qualified through a state event, faced off against some of the biggest names in tennis, including Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The 1 Point Slam, which debuted last year on a smaller scale, had been revamped and relocated to the iconic Rod Laver Arena, drawing in a sellout crowd and tempting the sport's biggest stars to participate.
The 1 Point Slam's format was unlike any other tennis competition. Each match lasted only one point, with the winner advancing to the next round. The event included both men and women, professionals and amateurs, as well as celebrities like Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou. Chou's participation was short-lived, however, as he was knocked out without hitting a ball after Petar Jovic served an ace.
The serving advantage was decided by a game of rock, paper, scissors, adding an element of chance to the competition. However, serving was not always an advantage, as several top players, including Sinner and Coco Gauff, lost their points after netting their serves or sending them long. These mishaps were met with giggles and laughs from the players involved, highlighting the lighthearted and entertaining nature of the event.
The 1 Point Slam's unique format and big prize pot have raised the stakes for the preliminary week of the Australian Open, responding to the US Open's mixed doubles revamp. The event's success has shown that there is a appetite for innovative and exciting competitions that bring together players from all levels and backgrounds.
Smith's journey to the final was nothing short of remarkable. After beating Sinner in the third round, he went on to face Joanna Garland, the women's No. 117 from Taiwan, in the final. Garland, who had lost in Australian Open qualifying earlier in the week, had surged through the 1 Point Slam bracket, beating top players like Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, and Maria Sakkari along the way.
The 1 Point Slam's field was filled with talented players from around the world. Frances Tiafoe and Iga Swiatek were among the top players who participated in the event, although they ultimately fell short of the final. Donna Vekić also made a strong run, beating Coco Gauff before losing to Garland.
The Australian Open main draw is set to start on Sunday, with the top players from around the world vying for the championship title. The 1 Point Slam's success has added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, showcasing the creativity and innovation that is possible in the world of tennis.
In conclusion, the 1 Point Slam has proven to be a resounding success, bringing together players from all levels and backgrounds in a unique and entertaining competition. The event's big prize pot and star-studded field have raised the stakes for the preliminary week of the Australian Open, and its success will likely be felt for years to come.
Original: ESPN
Image: ESPN
Written by Npsports
