The One Point Slam at the Australian Open seems to have struck a chord with players and fans alike, and there’s already talk of how it could evolve for next year.
With A$1 million on the line, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for anyone to win big, regardless of their background. Amateurs took on pros in front of a packed crowd at Rod Laver Arena, with every point carrying real weight.
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In an incredible turnaround, it was an amateur who won. Jordan Smith defeated Amanda Anisimova before overtaking Jannik Sinner in the final, walking away with a huge payday.
Even Roger Federer was paying attention. The Swiss legend said he loved how nervous the players looked, finding it all “hilarious”.
World number three Coco Gauff also enjoyed it but had an idea she thought could make things even better next time.
Coco Gauff shares her thoughts on the One Point Slam
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
Gauff gave his thoughts on the event during his press mission: “It was really cool. No, I have to make amends. I will play (next year), for sure.”
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The American exited in the second round, losing to Donna Vekic after a double fault.
“I didn’t expect to win,” said the 20-year-old. “I was telling everyone it wasn’t going to happen. People were saying to me: what are you going to do with the money? It’s not going to come to me.
“I said I wanted an amateur to win. I think the best case scenario happened. We had an amateur in the final against Joanna, who became like a celebrity overnight, which I think is really cool.
“I thought it was cool because you got to hear stories that you would never hear. My only… no complaint, but like I watched the qualifying rounds, because my hitting partner did.
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“I think people had to go six rounds to do Rod Laver. I think that was a bit much. There were some cool stories that came from the qualifying rounds that I was there that I wish some people could see about Rod Laver.
“There was a guy promoting tennis for paraplegics. Nobody saw him. There was another older lady who had the nicest outfit.
Gauff prepares for 2026 Australian Open opener against Kamilla Rakhimova
Gauff is now preparing for the start of her main draw campaign, where she will face a strong field in Melbourne.
The American landed in a tough quarter that includes Marketa Vondrousova, Mirra Andreeva and Emma Navarro.
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Her opening match will be against world number 55 Kamilla Rakhimova, someone Gauff has already played once on tour.
Their only previous meeting was at the 2025 China Open, where Gauff won comfortably in straight sets, 6-4, 6-0.
