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Recreational competitors are being offered an opportunity to win a seven-figure prize when they face elite players - headed by world number one Carlos Alcaraz - in a winner-takes-all point prior to the year's first major

Organizers of the Melbourne major have revealed the $1 Million Single-Point Tournament, which will pair 10 amateur players against 22 professionals in a elimination competition at the Australian Open venue

The Unique Event Will Work

Participants must play 'rock, paper, scissors' to determine who serves or receives, and whoever wins the point will advance to the subsequent phase

The victor of the event will earn a significant cash prize

By comparison, players who reached the final four of the primary tournaments in the 2025 Australian Open won substantial prize money

Past Comparable Tournaments

The New York major organized a restructured, standalone combined gender tournament in late summer which prompted top singles players to take part, with the winners receiving $1m

The year's first major held its debut single-point competition in the current season, but the prize fund was A$60,000 and it received minimal attention

One top competitor was the sole elite competitor involved, and his run came to an end when he directed the single service opportunity permitted failing to clear the net in his quarter-final

Competition Details

Officials have not said exactly how the event will work, but it is expected to mirror a similar format to this year's edition

The professionals will be permitted to make one service and the everyday players two times - as is the usual procedure in conventional tennis

While it is not certain how the draw will work, there will be several competitive phases and the venue will be the primary court rather than the smaller Kia Arena

The last matches will take place in a night session instead of midday timing

Competitor Information

Domestic competitors - or overseas competitors who have enrolled with Tennis Australia - can compete in 'single-point competition' tournaments at their neighborhood facilities

The winners of the community events will then go into a draw, with an everyday competitor from every region and area picked to take part in the 'grand finale' in a night session on mid-January

There will also be a qualifying draw in late year which amateurs, aspiring competitors, famous personalities and sports personalities can enter

It commences on early January and the pair of champions will qualify for Wednesday's 'grand finale' with the remaining non-professionals and 10 professionals

"Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the overall victor will receive the reward. Applications will open soon at clubs across the country"

Tournament officials stated there were "additional stars to be unveiled imminently", while the official website indicated "well-known figures" would be taking part