Overview
- Headlined by world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, the event will match 10 amateurs against 22 professionals in a sudden-death, single-point format.
- Players will decide serve or receive with rock–paper–scissors, and the winner of one point advances while the loser is eliminated.
- Opening Week runs 12–17 January 2026 at Melbourne Park, with the final on Rod Laver Arena ahead of the main draw from 18 January to 1 February.
- The champion earns A$1 million, up from the A$60,000 prize in the inaugural 2025 edition won by Australian professional Omar Jasika.
- Amateur spots come via state and territory qualifiers plus two places during Opening Week, with entries opening soon and further pro names to be announced; organisers also tout free kids entry on day one and nightly music on Grand Slam Oval.