Carlos Alcaraz Set to Compete Against Amateurs in Million Dollar One Point Slam
Recreational competitors will have the chance to earn a seven-figure prize when they face elite players - featuring leading player the Spanish champion - in a winner-takes-all point leading up to January's Australian Open
Organizers of the Australian Open have revealed the Million Dollar One Point Slam, which will pair everyday competitors against top-ranked players in a single-elimination format at the Australian Open venue
This Innovative Event Will Work
Players will play 'the classic hand game' to decide who serves or receives, and the competitor securing the point will advance to the subsequent phase
The champion of the event will take home approximately half a million pounds
Contextually, players who advanced to the penultimate round of the men's or women's singles in the last edition won A$1.1m
Previous Comparable Tournaments
The American Grand Slam organized a revamped, independent combined gender tournament in late summer which prompted top singles players to participate, with the victors receiving a million-dollar prize
The Australian Open held its debut quick-fire event in the current season, but the total purse was sixty thousand Australian dollars and it had limited exposure
One top competitor was the single high-ranked athlete participating, and his run concluded when he sent the one and only serve allowed into the net in his quarter-final
Competition Specifics
Organizers have not said exactly how the event will operate, but it is projected to mirror a akin setup to the most recent iteration
The elite players will be granted to make one service and the amateurs two times - as is the usual procedure in standard play
While it is uncertain how the bracket will work, there will be five knockout rounds and the site will be the primary court rather than the smaller Kia Arena
The last matches will occur in a nighttime schedule instead of 1pm local time
Competitor Requirements
Any Australians - or foreign participants who have signed up with the national federation - can participate in 'One Point Slam' events at their community centers
The winners of the local competitions will then go into a draw, with one amateur player from every state and territory chosen to take part in the 'final competition' in a night session on the specified date
There will also be a qualifying draw in the final month which everyday players, developing professionals, celebrities and sport stars can compete in
It begins on early January and the pair of champions will qualify for Wednesday's 'final showdown' with the additional everyday players and elite competitors
"Regardless of your skill level, the overall victor will walk away with the reward. Registrations will start imminently at clubs across the country"
Competition planners said there were "additional stars to be unveiled imminently", while the official website indicated "well-known figures" would be taking part