Jordan Smith, an amateur tennis player, left the world of sports in awe after winning the Million Dollar One Point Slam at the Australian Open, earning A$1 million (£496,835) along with a trophy and national recognition. Smith, who expressed that he would have been happy winning even a single point, delivered a stunning performance against world number two, Jannik Sinner, at the iconic Rod Laver Arena, with nearly 15,000 spectators in attendance.
The groundbreaking format of the Million Dollar One Point Slam paired amateur players with professional tennis stars in a knockout tournament, where each match consisted of just one point. Smith’s remarkable journey saw him triumph not only over Sinner but also women's world number four, Amanda Anisimova, showcasing his skills and resilience.
In a fitting finale, Smith faced off against Joanna Garland, who unexpectedly defeated renowned players including Alexander Zverev and Nick Kyrgios to claim her spot as the last challenger against Smith.
The evening was not just about the underdog triumph; it was a celebration of tennis, sportsmanship, and community with many professional players cheering on the amateurs. New South Wales champion Smith’s success also sparked a friendly rivalry as Queensland champion Alec Reverente defeated men’s world number seven Felix Auger-Aliassime, leading to an exciting head-to-head competition for a brand-new car, which Reverente won.
The event, aimed at creating interest in tennis, allowed both amateurs and renowned tennis players to engage in thrilling matches, drawing attention and revenue while inspiring a new generation of players. The creativity behind the Million Dollar One Point Slam was acknowledged as a major achievement by the tournament director, Craig Tiley, aiming to bridge the gap between professional and grassroots tennis.
With Smith's victory, he not only secured considerable cash prizes for himself but also commitment to invest his winnings in a new home, proving that in sports, the underdogs can have their moment where dreams turn into reality.
The groundbreaking format of the Million Dollar One Point Slam paired amateur players with professional tennis stars in a knockout tournament, where each match consisted of just one point. Smith’s remarkable journey saw him triumph not only over Sinner but also women's world number four, Amanda Anisimova, showcasing his skills and resilience.
In a fitting finale, Smith faced off against Joanna Garland, who unexpectedly defeated renowned players including Alexander Zverev and Nick Kyrgios to claim her spot as the last challenger against Smith.
The evening was not just about the underdog triumph; it was a celebration of tennis, sportsmanship, and community with many professional players cheering on the amateurs. New South Wales champion Smith’s success also sparked a friendly rivalry as Queensland champion Alec Reverente defeated men’s world number seven Felix Auger-Aliassime, leading to an exciting head-to-head competition for a brand-new car, which Reverente won.
The event, aimed at creating interest in tennis, allowed both amateurs and renowned tennis players to engage in thrilling matches, drawing attention and revenue while inspiring a new generation of players. The creativity behind the Million Dollar One Point Slam was acknowledged as a major achievement by the tournament director, Craig Tiley, aiming to bridge the gap between professional and grassroots tennis.
With Smith's victory, he not only secured considerable cash prizes for himself but also commitment to invest his winnings in a new home, proving that in sports, the underdogs can have their moment where dreams turn into reality.
