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Australian Open Unveils A$1 Million '1 Point Slam' for 2026 With Alcaraz Headlining

The single-point knockout anchors an expanded Opening Week built to connect grassroots qualifiers to a Rod Laver Arena final.

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.