Carlos Alcaraz Ready to Battle Amateurs in Seven-Figure Single-Point Showdown

Everyday tennis enthusiasts will have the possibility to win a seven-figure prize when they face world-class athletes - featuring top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz - in a one-point battle leading up to January's Australian Open

Organizers of the year's first Grand Slam have revealed the $1 Million Single-Point Tournament, which will pair 10 amateur players against top-ranked players in a elimination competition at Melbourne Park

This Innovative Competition Operates

Participants must play 'the classic hand game' to decide who gets to serve or return, and the player who wins the point will progress to the next round

The champion of the event will earn a significant cash prize

By comparison, players who made it to the semi-finals of the men's or women's singles in the previous year's tournament won substantial prize money

Past Related Competitions

The New York major staged a revamped, independent combined gender tournament in the eighth month which prompted top singles players to compete, with the champions receiving a million-dollar prize

The year's first major held its debut single-point competition earlier this year, but the prize fund was A$60,000 and it had limited exposure

One top competitor was the single high-ranked athlete participating, and his campaign concluded when he sent the sole serving chance granted into the net in his quarter-final

Competition Information

Planners have not specified precisely how the event will work, but it is anticipated to emulate a akin setup to this year's edition

The professionals will be granted to have a single serve and the amateurs twice - as is the norm in traditional tennis

While it is unclear how the pairings will work, there will be multiple elimination stages and the site will be the primary court rather than the smaller Kia Arena

The concluding rounds will occur in a evening slot instead of early afternoon

Entry Requirements

Any Australians - or international players who have signed up with the national federation - can participate in 'One Point Slam' competitions at their local tennis clubs

The victors of the local competitions will then go into a selection process, with a single non-professional from every region and area selected to participate in the 'final competition' in a nighttime event on Wednesday, 14 January

There will also be a entry tournament in late year which everyday players, developing professionals, well-known figures and sports personalities can compete in

It begins on the starting date and the two winners will qualify for Wednesday's 'grand finale' with the additional everyday players and top-ranked athletes

"Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the ultimate winner will walk away with the award. Applications will open soon at facilities throughout the nation"

Event organizers said there were "further celebrities to be unveiled imminently", while the event portal said "celebrities" would be involved