Carlos Alcaraz vs amateurs: One point to win life-changing $1m as Australian Open Million Dollar One Point Slam concept unveiled

The Australian Open has announced a significant change for the 2026 season. The first Grand Slam of the year is being held in Melbourne, where players from around the world will compete to showcase their talent and secure the ultimate prize.

From 2026 onwards, there will be a massive change in the competition. For the first time, there will be a million-dollar payday. The competition will be called the Million Dollar 1 Point slam. The one-day event will feature 10 amateur players competing against 22 professional players.

The winner of the contest will receive $1 million AUD. Amongst the top players, there will be world number one Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz. The list of other players will be announced later. Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley spoke to the tournament’s official website, where he announced the reason behind taking such a drastic step. Tiley also stated that the first week of the competition, from January 12 to 17, will feature free entry for kids.

“From the fierce rivalries and rising stars on court to unforgettable moments across the precinct, the AO continues to push the envelope as a global force in sport and entertainment,” said Tiley. “It’s a platform like no other for our fans, our players and global brands. The growth of the AO over recent years has been extraordinary – we welcomed 1.2 million fans in 2025. That momentum brings a new challenge: how do we give even more people a spectacular AO experience? The answer is Opening Week, which we’ve taken to the next level in scale and experience for AO 2026.”

He continued by saying: “The entire site will be open from day one, when kids can come free of charge, and live music will light up Grand Slam Oval every night. Fans can claim front-row seats in Rod Laver Arena for Open Practice, offering rare, up-close access to the superstars of the game. Top players will inspire the next generation by handing out 5,000 racquets to kids, while 256 players battle it out in Australian Open qualifying, setting the stage for three weeks of unforgettable tennis and entertainment. I can reveal today that World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz will headline the pro player line-up in the Million Dollar 1 Point Slam – a thrilling new initiative where one point could win you $1 million. Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the ultimate winner will walk away with the prize. Entries will open soon at clubs across the country, and during Opening Week, finalists will compete for a chance to face the pros on Rod Laver Arena. With more big names to be announced soon, you now have a million reasons to pick up a racquet and get ready for January."

The first Grand Slam of the year will begin on January 12. In the men’s singles category, world number two Italy’s Jannik Sinner will defend his title for the second year running. He defeated Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 7-6, 6-3. On the other hand, in the women’s singles category, America’s Madison Keys will be defending her title. She defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the final with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.