Alcaraz Set to Compete Against Amateurs in Seven-Figure One Point Slam
Amateur players will have the chance to earn a seven-figure prize when they take on world-class athletes - including world number one the Spanish champion - in a winner-takes-all point before the Australian Grand Slam
Organizers of the Australian Open have unveiled the Million Dollar One Point Slam, which will pair everyday competitors against elite athletes in a elimination competition at the Australian Open venue
The Unique Tournament Functions
Players will play 'the decision-making game' to decide who takes the serve or return position, and the player who wins the point will move forward to the subsequent phase
The victor of the event will take home a significant cash prize
For comparison, players who made it to the penultimate round of the main draw competitions in the previous year's tournament won A$1.1m
Earlier Similar Events
The New York major hosted a revamped, independent mixed doubles tournament in late summer which prompted top singles players to take part, with the champions receiving one million US dollars
The Australian Open held its first-ever quick-fire event this year, but the total purse was sixty thousand Australian dollars and it received minimal attention
Andrey Rublev was the only top-10 player participating, and his progress finished when he directed the single service opportunity allowed into the net in his penultimate round
Competition Details
Organizers have not detailed exactly how the event will work, but it is projected to follow a similar format to this year's edition
The top competitors will be granted to serve once and the everyday players two times - as is the norm in conventional tennis
While it is not certain how the bracket will work, there will be five knockout rounds and the location will be the main stadium rather than the smaller Kia Arena
The final stages will take place in a night session instead of midday timing
Participation Information
Any Australians - or overseas competitors who have signed up with Tennis Australia - can participate in 'quick-match event' competitions at their local tennis clubs
The victors of the local competitions will then go into a random pairing, with an everyday competitor from every state and territory picked to take part in the 'final competition' in a evening match on Wednesday, 14 January
There will also be a qualifying draw in December which amateurs, developing professionals, famous personalities and sport stars can enter
It begins on the starting date and the successful competitors will go into the following day's 'grand finale' with the additional everyday players and 10 professionals
"Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the overall victor will receive the prize. Registrations will open soon at venues nationwide"
Event organizers mentioned there were "additional stars to be announced soon", while the tournament site indicated "famous personalities" would be involved