The traditional calm before the storm of a Grand Slam was spectacularly broken this year by the debut of the '1 Point Slam' exhibition event. Held at a sold-out Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, 14th January 2026, the unique, high-pressure contest saw tennis's biggest stars face off against club players in a winner-takes-all, single-point format, ultimately won by local amateur Jordan Smith.
Stars Embrace the Pressure and Fun
Two days before the main draw began, the talk of the pre-tournament press conferences was the thrilling exhibition. Defending champion Jannik Sinner, who is chasing a third consecutive Australian Open title, admitted he was initially sceptical. "I was not a big fan in the beginning," Sinner confessed. "But when you are there and playing and seeing other matches play, it was so fun. To have a packed stadium before the main event, it's great."
The format was brutally simple: players advanced by winning just one point. A missed second serve meant instant elimination, with service decided by a rock-paper-scissors contest. "It was something different... because you're not warm, you wait 40 minutes, and then you just play maybe one point," Sinner explained, highlighting the unique stress. "It was something fun to play, but mostly also to watch."
World number one Iga Swiatek took a more prepared approach. "I was ready," she stated, having warmed up properly and even defeating a couple of male opponents. She praised the event's ability to generate excitement, noting "everybody was watching... everybody said they were so, like, emotional about it." For Swiatek, it was a perfect distraction as she prepares to complete a career Grand Slam in Melbourne. "It's something new, refreshing. I think this is what tennis sometimes needs," she added.
Call for Expansion and Spotlight on Amateurs
The event's success has sparked calls for it to become a regular feature. American star Amanda Anisimova, a finalist at Wimbledon and the US Open last year, voiced strong support. "I'd like to see the 1 Point Slam expanded to all four majors," she said. The shared nerves were a bonding experience for the players ahead of the fortnight. "We were all, like, equally very, very nervous," Anisimova recalled. "We didn't want to just miss on the first shot, because it would have been so embarrassing."
Coco Gauff, a two-time major winner, was delighted with the fairytale outcome that saw amateur Jordan Smith triumph over women's world No. 117 Joanna Garland. "I did say I wanted an amateur to win. I think the best-case scenario happened," Gauff remarked. She highlighted how the event showcased stories beyond the tour, suggesting the nationwide qualifying rounds held in local clubs should be televised. "There were a couple cool stories from the qualifying rounds... that I wish some people got to see on Rod Laver," she said, already eyeing a chance to redeem herself next year.
More Than a One-Hit Wonder?
The consensus among the elite is that the 1 Point Slam is here to stay. Its blend of unpredictable, game-show tension and heart-warming narratives captured the imagination of legends and fans alike. Even Roger Federer admitted he was "glued to it." Jannik Siner perhaps summed it up best, celebrating the victory of the unknown amateur: "There was no better ending, I would say, especially for the first edition... He really needs it in a very positive way." With such resounding endorsement from the sport's leading figures, this innovative event looks poised to become a beloved fixture in the tennis calendar.
