Jordan Smith, an amateur player, expressed he would have been happy winning just one point but walked away with A$1 million (£496,835) and the top position over world number two Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open's Million Dollar One Point Slam.

The innovative format provided amateur players a shot at winning by playing a decisive point against some of the sport's leading figures. Smith captured the spotlight on Rod Laver Arena, where he not only defeated Sinner but also faced off against women's world number four Amanda Anisimova in front of nearly 15,000 spectators.

Smith's journey concluded in a climactic final against Joanna Garland, a Taiwanese player ranked 117th in the world, who made headlines by winning against top players including men's number three Alexander Zverev and former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios.

Tensions ran high as Queensland's state champion Alec Reverente also made waves, defeating world number seven Felix Auger-Aliassime, proving that the underdog spirit was alive during the event.

This unique tournament format was played in a fun atmosphere, even featuring Kyrgios humorously smashing his racket post-defeat. The excitement was palpable, and many of the top players, including men's number one Carlos Alcaraz, gathered at Rod Laver Arena to witness the underdog finals.

Smith, who won multiple junior national titles, remained calm despite the high stakes, stating, I was so nervous but enjoyed being out here, it was a great experience. He was granted an additional A$50,000 (£24,841) for the Australian tennis club he represented.

The Million Dollar One Point Slam took place just days before the Australian Open's official main draw, featuring 48 competitors—24 of whom were top professionals. Matches commenced with a game of 'rock, paper, scissors' to determine who served, emphasizing the event's engaging and lighthearted spirit. The inaugural event last year offered a significantly lower prize fund, demonstrating the growing appeal this format has captivated.

This event successfully united the elite with grassroots players, crafting a lively showcase that underlined the potential for the new interest in tennis.