Alcaraz back for another 1-Point Slam appearance

Carlos Alcaraz will headline the field as the Australian Open stages its 1-Point Slam for a third consecutive year, pitting Tour pros against Aussie amateur in a one-off cash grab prior to the start of the first Grand Slam of 2027.

The event made Aussie dollar millionaires (USD 690,000) out of local wannabes for the opening two editions and will be back for another round in January in Melbourne.

AO holder Alcaraz is expected to be joined by Jannik Sinner, through there might be an asterisk next to the name of the world No. 1 after he shut down this season to deal with a lingering knee injury.

Also in the field.for the one-night shootout will be WTA players Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka, with more to be announced later.

The all-or-nothing format comprises one point per match, with winners advancing and servers chosen by the Rock, Paper, Scissors method.

After a debut edition in 2025 during which local journeyman Omar Jasika pocketed the inaugural A$60,000 (USD41,736) for victory, the 2026 sum was kicked up to a flat 1 million.

“The AO 1 Point Slam is unlike anything else in world ‌sport,” ⁠Australian Open official Tom Larner said. “It creates an opportunity for grass roots tennis players to share the spotlight with some of the biggest names in the game and delivers a level of excitement that ⁠only the Australian Open can provide.”

Amatuers will play over the coming weeks at local clubs for a chance to reach the finals field, with the event staged for an evening during the week prior to the start of the actual major.

The Open proper runs from January 17-31.