Overview
- Smith, a 29-year-old Sydney tennis coach who qualified through New South Wales state trials, captured the winner‑take‑all exhibition and a prize reported around US$660,000–670,000.
- He advanced by edging elite opponents — eliminating Jannik Sinner in the round of 16, then beating Amanda Anisimova and Pedro Martínez before defeating Taiwan’s Joanna Garland in the final.
- The format decided each match on one point, with amateurs allowed two serves and professionals one, and service order set by rock‑paper‑scissors.
- High‑profile exits underscored the variance: Maria Sakkari ousted world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, and Garland beat Alexander Zverev and Nick Kyrgios en route to the title match.
- The made‑for‑fans event wrapped on January 14 just before the Australian Open draw, and organizers have floated but not confirmed its return in future editions.