Amateur Shocks Sinner To Win A$1m

Amateur tennis player Jordan Smith produced a stunning upset to beat world number two Jannik Sinner and win A$1m at the Australian Open’s Million Dollar One Point Slam. The New South Wales state champion triumphed in the unique single-point format event, also defeating Amanda Anisimova in front of 10,000 fans at Rod Laver Arena to seal one of the biggest surprises in tennis history.

Smith’s dream run

Smith, who admitted he would have been “happy winning just one point,” capitalised when Sinner missed his only serve attempt, handing the amateur victory. He then beat women’s world number four Amanda Anisimova and world number 71 Pedro Martinez to reach the final. After his success, Smith said, “I was so nervous but enjoyed being out here. It was a great experience.”

Other major upsets

Taiwan’s Joanna Garland (world number 117) stunned Alexander Zverev (world number three) and Nick Kyrgios, while Queensland state champion Alec Reverente defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime (world number seven). Reverente later beat Smith to win a brand-new car after the pair emerged as the top amateurs.

Star players stunned

Several top professionals were knocked out, including Carlos Alcaraz, who lost to Maria Sakkari after netting a drop shot. Iga Swiatek defeated Flavio Cobolli and Frances Tiafoe before losing to Martinez. Many stars stayed to watch the final, highlighting the excitement around the format.

How the event worked

The tournament featured 48 players, including 24 professionals. Matches were decided by a single point, with serve determined by rock, paper, scissors. Professionals had only one serve attempt. The event, held four days before the Australian Open, replaced last year’s edition which offered just A$60,000 in prize money.

Growing fan interest

The One Point Slam is part of tennis authorities’ efforts to attract new audiences. It follows similar innovations, including the US Open’s standalone mixed doubles event introduced last year.

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