World No. 1 adds unique exhibition to already packed schedule
Tennis fans might soon have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win $1 million by scoring a single point against world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. Tennis Australia has confirmed that Alcaraz will lead the inaugural Million Dollar 1 Point Slam, a new event as part of the expanded Opening Week for the 2026 Australian Open.
“I’m thrilled to announce that Carlos Alcaraz will headline this exciting new initiative, where just one point could secure $1 million for the winner,” said Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley.
A unique format: Pros vs. amateurs in one-point matches
The exhibition will feature Alcaraz and 21 other professional players facing off against 10 Australian amateurs. Matches are unlike anything fans have seen before: each contest lasts a single point, with rock-paper-scissors deciding who serves or receives. Winners of each point advance through the draw, culminating in a final on Rod Laver Arena, where the ultimate champion will claim the $1 million prize.
“Entries will open soon at clubs nationwide,” Tiley said. “Finalists will compete for the chance to face the pros on the biggest stage in Australian tennis. With more star names to be revealed, players now have a million reasons to pick up a racquet this January.”
Opening Week: A fan-focused expansion
The Australian Open’s Opening Week draws inspiration from the US Open’s Fan Week, aiming to deliver live entertainment, charity events, open practices, and qualifying matches across Melbourne Park. The 2026 edition promises four nights of star-studded events in Rod Laver Arena and fully accessible precincts from day one.
“The growth of the AO has been phenomenal—we hosted 1.2 million fans in 2025,” Tiley said. “This momentum drives us to take Opening Week to the next level, offering fans more ways to experience the tournament.”
Alcaraz’s busy exhibition schedule continues
The 22-year-old Spaniard is entering a packed 2025–26 schedule. He’ll appear at events including:
- Puerto Rico exhibition with Frances Tiafoe before Indian Wells
- US Open mixed doubles alongside Emma Raducanu
- Representing Team Europe at the Laver Cup
- Off-season exhibitions like A Racquet At The Rock (Newark) and Miami Tennis Invitational
Alcaraz is currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained during his Tokyo title run and recently withdrew from the Shanghai Masters. Despite his busy calendar, he’s shown no hesitation in taking on high-profile exhibitions.
“I want to play in events that excite me, but the calendar is so tight,” Alcaraz said at the Laver Cup. “There are so many mandatory tournaments with few rest days, and the next few years will be even busier.”
The Spaniard is next set to appear at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, a three-day exhibition offering a $1.5 million appearance fee and $4.5 million winner’s prize, before returning to the ATP Tour at the Rolex Paris Masters from October 27 to November 2.