Breaking: Amateur Jordan Smith Wins One Point Slam Ahead of Australian Open
In a shocking turn at Rod Laver Arena, Jordan Smith, an amateur player, seized a life‑changing prize by winning the One Point Slam, a pre‑Australian Open showcase built around a single‑point match format.
The Melbourne event brought together men, women, professionals, amateurs, and celebrities in a direct‑elimination bracket where every contest concluded after one rally. Notables on the court included Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, with pop icon Jay Chou also taking part before the Australian Open.
Smith even reached a point against Sinner during the tournament, signaling the depth of talent in a field that mixed global stars with rising players. The final went to Smith as Joanna Garland,ranked 117th worldwide,sent a two‑handed backhand out of bounds to hand him victory.
A quirky note from the final saw Garland’s serve decided by a game of rock‑paper‑scissors, underscoring the playful, all‑in spirit of the format. After his win, Smith drew attention across tennis social channels and began to be recognized by players at the Australian Open.
Moments off the court highlighted the event’s star appeal: Djokovic praised Smith after a practice match with Frances Tiafoe, while Smith was photographed with Roger Federer. Coco Gauff also shared a light‑hearted post featuring Smith and his partner.
In the broader practice sessions, sinner faltered in the third round against smith by lofting a return into the net.The event also showcased the lighter side of competing, as Gauff and Tiafoe experienced similar miscues against peers like Donna Vekic and Iga Swiatek.
Garland advanced through qualifying for the Australian open by defeating several top players, including Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, maria Sakkari, and Vekic, with Sakkari having previously eliminated Alcaraz during the week. The Australian Open itself is set to begin on Sunday, with Smith’s triumph fueling anticipation ahead of play.
Key facts at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | One point Slam (pre‑Australian Open) |
| Location | Rod Laver arena, melbourne |
| Date | Wednesday, January 14, 2026 |
| Winner | Jordan Smith (amateur) |
| prize | A$1 million (about US$670,000) |
| Final opponent | Joanna Garland (World No. 117) |
| format highlight | All matches played to a single point in direct elimination |
| Notable moments | Sinner’s point against Smith; Garland’s serve decided by rock‑paper‑scissors |
| Other participants | Professionals, amateurs, and celebrities including Jay Chou |
| AO context | Australian Open begins Sunday; Smith’s win generates early buzz |
Evergreen insights: what this means for tennis fans and the sport
- One‑point formats can dramatically level the playing field, offering surprises and memorable moments that resonate beyond a single match.
- Mixing professionals, amateurs, and celebrities in a single‑elimination framework can boost engagement and broaden audience appeal around major tournaments.
- events like this provide a platform for rising players to gain visibility ahead of the sport’s biggest stages, perhaps influencing sponsorship and invitations in the future.
What do you think about one‑point exhibitions as a prelude to grand slams? Could they become a staple in modern tennis, or should they stay as occasional showcases?
Would you attend more formats that blend pros, amateurs, and celebrities in a compact, dramatic setting?
Share your thoughts and reactions below.
