Tennis fans will get another chance to see some of the sport’s biggest stars in a format where one mistake could mean instant elimination.
The Australian Open will bring back its innovative “1 Point Slam” in 2027, with Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka among the major names confirmed for the unusual competition.
The sudden-death event made its debut at Melbourne Park ahead of the 2026 Australian Open. It featured 24 professional players alongside 24 amateurs and celebrity wildcards, with each match decided by a single point.
Win the point and advance. Lose it and the competition is over.
The format produced a major surprise in its inaugural edition when amateur Jordan Smith stunned the star-studded field at a packed Rod Laver Arena to claim the Aus$1 million (US$670,000) prize.
Tennis Australia’s Tom Larner said the event gives grassroots players an opportunity to share the spotlight with some of the biggest names in tennis.
The amateur field for 2027 will again include winners from eight state championship rounds held across Australia, while another eight players will earn places through qualifying.
The event is expected to add another layer of entertainment to the Australian Open build-up, while giving fans a rare opportunity to watch elite players compete under intense, winner-takes-all pressure.
More than 1.3 million fans attended the 2026 Australian Open, and organisers plan to expand viewing capacity and seating for next year’s tournament.
The 2027 Australian Open is scheduled for January 17-31, with the 1 Point Slam expected to provide an early dose of drama before the Grand Slam action begins.
