Jannik Sinner loses to amateur tennis player at million-dollar Australian Open event | Tennis | Sport
Jannik Sinner suffered a shock loss in the One Point Slam (Image: Getty)
Jannik Sinner is back at the Australian Open, hunting his third straight title here. But the two-time defending champion’s confidence took a huge knock as he suffered defeat in Melbourne Park for the first time since 2023. The world No. 2 entered the One Point Slam, a unique tournament being staged in the Australian Open’s opening week, which pits professionals against amateurs.
Each match lasts just one point, and the winner bags £500k (A$1m) and a new Kia car. Sinner, the No. 2 seed in the draw, got a bye to the second round and beat fellow professional Pablo Carreno Busta, before he was undone by a 29-year-old from New South Wales.
Jordan Smith got a place in the lucrative, one-point tournament by winning the state championship in New South Wales, and he’s certainly made the most of it. He beat Aussie Rules star Bailey Smith in the first round, and then took out WTA No. 200 Laura Pigossi before facing Sinner.
The world No. 2 was asked whether he had any advice for the amateur, but joked that Smith wouldn’t need any advice if he missed his serve. And he ended up predicting his own future.
At the One Point Slam, the professionals get just one serve, while the amateurs get two. Sinner had one shot to get the ball in, but he sent his serve into the net and was eliminated. Smith’s friends and family, who were in the stands in Rod Laver Arena, went crazy, but the 29-year-old said it was just luck.
Sinner, meanwhile, was happy to accept defeat on what’s become one of his favourite courts. “I kind of called it, so that happens! I’m happy you guys have one more Australian still here. Thanks for having me, and enjoy the night,” he said.
Jannik Sinner lost to 29-year-old Jordan Smith from New South Wales (Image: Getty)
Smith, who represents Castle Hill Tennis Academy in New South Wales, has been playing tennis since he was just three years old, having been coached by his father as a child. He faced Cameron Norrie and Alexander Zverev as a junior, and won five titles across junior singles and doubles.
The 29-year-old never turned professional, but got the chance to compete on Rod Laver Arena ahead of the Australian Open when he won a preliminary state championship to win a place in the draw.
After winning the NSW state championship, Smith said: “It would be incredible [to play on Rod Laver Arena]. I grew up watching Rod Laver Arena on TV and seeing icons like Hewitt and Rafter. To step out there, look around and enjoy the moment would be amazing.”
The Aussie’s family also spoke to the crowd after his incredible win, and Smith’s mum, Michelle, said: “I’m so nervous, I feel sick, I’m shaking. Good luck Jordan, I love you no matter what happens.”
And it wasn’t the only upset of the night, as 23-year-old Alec Reverente, who got into the tournament after winning the Queensland state championship, shocked world No. 7 Auger-Aliassime in the second round.
