Alcaraz to Face Amateurs in $1 Million Single-Point Showdown
Everyday tennis enthusiasts will have an opportunity to claim A$1m when they face tennis' top professionals - featuring top-ranked the Spanish champion - in a winner-takes-all point before January's Australian Open
Event planners of the Melbourne major have unveiled the Million Dollar One Point Slam, which will match 10 amateur players against 22 professionals in a elimination competition at the tournament grounds
How the Event Will Work
Participants must play 'the decision-making game' to establish who gets to serve or return, and the competitor securing the point will progress to the next round
The winner of the event will earn a significant cash prize
Contextually, players who advanced to the final four of the primary tournaments in the previous year's tournament won over a million Australian dollars
Previous Similar Events
The American Grand Slam hosted a revamped, separate mixed doubles tournament in late summer which prompted top singles players to compete, with the victors receiving $1m
The Australian Open held its debut quick-fire event this year, but the prize fund was A$60,000 and it had limited exposure
One top competitor was the sole elite competitor competing, and his run came to an end when he put the sole serving chance permitted into the net in his last eight match
Event Details
Organizers have not specified precisely how the event will function, but it is expected to mirror a akin setup to this year's edition
The professionals will be permitted to have a single serve and the everyday players on two occasions - as is the norm in standard play
While it is uncertain how the draw will work, there will be multiple elimination stages and the site will be the primary court rather than the alternative court
The concluding rounds will take place in a nighttime schedule instead of midday timing
Participation Requirements
Any Australians - or foreign participants who have enrolled with the national federation - can participate in 'One Point Slam' competitions at their neighborhood facilities
The winners of the grassroots tournaments will then go into a draw, with an everyday competitor from every region and area selected to compete in the 'final competition' in a evening match on Wednesday, 14 January
There will also be a preliminary competition in late year which amateurs, lower ranked pros, well-known figures and sports personalities can compete in
It begins on Monday, 12 January and the pair of champions will advance to the midweek 'championship match' with the other eight amateurs and elite competitors
"Regardless of your skill level, the ultimate winner will receive the reward. Entries will begin shortly at venues across the country"
Competition planners stated there were "additional stars to be announced soon", while the tournament site mentioned "celebrities" would be taking part