AO 1 Point Slam rules, entry list and how to watch Alcaraz and Sinner | Tennis | Sport
In 2025, the 1 Point Slam was introduced as a pilot tournament in the build-up to the Australian Open in Melbourne. The concept was simple: a 32-player strong final field comprised of pros and amateurs compete for a grand prize in one-point matches. Last year’s winner took home $60,000 AUD (£30k) but with sponsors Kia levelling up the spectacle, whoever can win this time around will bag a whopping $1million AUD (£500k). Express Sport brings you everything you need to know as the 1 Point Slam returns.
Tournament rules
The rules for the 1 Point Slam are relatively simple. A game of ‘rock, paper, scissors’ decides who gets to either serve or receive first and whoever wins the point progresses into the next round. Professionals, such as Sinner and Alcaraz, only receive one serve in this format. However, the 32-player finals field is also made up of amateurs, and they get two serves.
Entry list
There are various ways in which players have made it to the final stage. Competitors must be aged 14 or older and could have qualified via community events or state championships in Australia.
Opening week qualifiers have also taken place this week at Melbourne Park. The rest of the field has been comprised of up to 22 current ATP and WTA pros, who are invited into the final bracket alongside the 10 amateurs.
Joining Sinner and Alcaraz in the event will be Daniil Medvedev, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Nick Kyrgios. Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka and Jasmine Paolini are also set to compete, among others.
How to watch
The finals for 2026 are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, January 14 at 7pm in Melbourne. For those in the UK this time zone is 11 hours ahead and so it will start at 8am GMT.
Fans can come along to watch the competition in person as it takes place at Rod Laver Arena. An AO Ground Pass or specific arena ticket would grant entry. In regard to streaming, the 1 Point Slam will be streamed on the Australian Open’s official YouTube channel, with the broadcast set to commence at 8:30am live from Melbourne.
Prize money
As stated, the winning prize this year has been raised to an eye-watering $1m AUD, which is a dramatic increase from last year’s inaugural competition. There is also a prize for the amateur player who goes the deepest in the tournament. Courtesy of sponsors Kia, they will receive a Kia EV3 GT-Line in Matcha Green.
Last year, the story of the tournament was 56-year-old amateur Paul Fitzgerald, who reached the semi-finals of the event before eventually losing to a professional player. Australian pro Omar Jasika was named champion 12 months ago.
