Alcaraz Set to Compete Against Everyday Players in Seven-Figure One Point Slam
Recreational competitors are being offered an opportunity to claim a seven-figure prize when they compete against world-class athletes - including top-ranked the Spanish champion - in a winner-takes-all point before the Australian Grand Slam
Event planners of the Melbourne major have revealed the Million Dollar One Point Slam, which will pair a dozen non-professionals against 22 professionals in a elimination competition at the Australian Open venue
How the Competition Operates
Competitors are set to play 'rock, paper, scissors' to establish who gets to serve or return, and whoever wins the point will move forward to the following stage
The victor of the event will take home a significant cash prize
By comparison, players who made it to the penultimate round of the primary tournaments in the previous year's tournament won substantial prize money
Previous Comparable Tournaments
The New York major organized a restructured, independent combined gender tournament in late summer which encouraged top singles players to take part, with the winners receiving $1m
The Melbourne tournament held its first-ever quick-fire event in the current season, but the prize fund was A$60,000 and it generated little publicity
One top competitor was the only top-10 player involved, and his campaign finished when he sent the sole serving chance allowed failing to clear the net in his penultimate round
Event Information
Officials have not detailed exactly how the event will work, but it is anticipated to emulate a comparable structure to the most recent iteration
The elite players will be granted to make one service and the everyday players two times - as is the standard practice in standard play
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 concluding rounds will take place in a evening slot instead of midday timing
Entry Details
Local players - or international players who have registered with the governing body - can compete in 'One Point Slam' tournaments at their neighborhood facilities
The champions of the community events will then go into a selection process, with a single non-professional from every state and territory chosen to take part in the 'grand finale' in a night session on Wednesday, 14 January
There will also be a preliminary competition in December which amateurs, aspiring competitors, celebrities and sport stars can enter
It begins on the starting date and the successful competitors will advance to the following day's 'championship match' with the other eight amateurs and 10 professionals
"Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the ultimate winner will receive the prize. Applications will open soon at clubs across the country"
Event organizers mentioned there were "additional stars to be unveiled imminently", while the event portal said "well-known figures" would be taking part
