Novice gamers can have the prospect to win a million-dollar prize once they face tennis’ high professionals – together with Carlos Alcaraz – in a single-point showdown earlier than January’s Australian Open.
Organisers of the 12 months’s first Grand Slam match introduced the ‘Million Greenback One Level Slam’ on Tuesday, which can pit 10 newbie gamers in opposition to 22 professionals.
Headlined by Spain’s world primary Alcaraz, the winner of the occasion will take residence a million Australian {dollars} (£490,360).
For context, gamers that reached the semi-finals of the lads’s or ladies’s singles most important draw within the 2025 Australian Open gained A$1.1m (£539,500).
Gamers will play ‘rock, paper, scissors’ to find out who serves or receives.
Whoever wins the purpose additionally wins the match and progresses to the subsequent spherical, with the ultimate to be performed on Rod Laver Enviornment.
It follows the US Open’s resolution to stage a revamped, stand-alone blended doubles match in August which inspired high singles gamers to take part, with the winners receiving $1m (£736,880).
The Australian Open held its inaugural ‘One Level Slam’ occasion earlier this 12 months, however the prize fund was significantly decrease at A$60,000 (£29,400).
Australian skilled Omar Jasika gained the match, which pitted 16 amateurs – eight males and eight ladies – in opposition to 16 professionals.
The amateurs have been aged between 15 and 72 within the inaugural version.
A coin toss was used to find out who served moderately than ‘rock, paper and scissors’, whereas the professionals have been solely allowed to serve as soon as and the newbie gamers may serve twice – as is the norm in conventional tennis.
Eight amateurs will qualify by means of occasions in every state and territory for the 2026 match, whereas an additional two spots shall be up for grabs through the opening week, which begins on Monday, 12 January.
“I can reveal at the moment that world primary Carlos Alcaraz will headline the professional participant line-up within the Million Greenback One Level Slam,” Australian Open match director Craig Tilley stated.
“Whether or not you are an newbie or a professional, the final word winner will stroll away with the prize. Entries will open quickly at golf equipment throughout the nation, and through opening week, finalists will compete for an opportunity to face the professionals on Rod Laver Enviornment.”
