Overview
- Smith, 29, won at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena in a pre–Australian Open showcase that carries no ranking points.
- The event assembled 24 professionals and 24 other entrants, with men and women competing in the same draw.
- He upset world No. 2 Jannik Sinner on his path to the final and needed only six total points to claim the title.
- Taiwan’s Joanna Garland, ranked No. 117, beat Alexander Zverev earlier before losing to Smith in the final.
- A junior coach with a career-high ranking of No. 1,141 and US$6,388 in prior earnings, Smith says he will put the winnings toward a home, and his Sydney club receives A$50,000.