Tennis Australia Media Release, August 5, 2024

The ultimate grassroots to Grand Slam challenge is back, with the Australian Open and Haier bringing the AO 1 Point Slam to tennis clubs across Australia.

In January this year, NSW State Champion Jordan Smith became an instant millionaire after winning the AO 1 Point Slam, defeating world No.1 Jannik Sinner and dual Grand Slam finalist Amanda Anisimova on Rod Laver Arena to claim the $1 million winner-takes-all prize.

 “I first heard about the AO 1 Point Slam through a couple of my tennis clients who encouraged me to enter so I thought why not!”

“My journey started at a qualifying event at Sydney Olympic Park – I never expected it would lead to me stepping onto Rod Laver Arena and competing against world class players, let alone walking away as the winner. It completely changed my life.”

“This year we’ll be hosting an event at our own club and hopefully inspiring more players to give it a go, just like I did. You never know where it might take you,” Smithsaid.

Tennis Australia is calling on tennis clubs, associations, schools and coaches across the country to host a local AO 1 Point Slam powered by Haier to be in the running to win a $50,000 tennis grant, with expressions of interest to open next week.

“The AO 1 Point Slam captured people’s imagination because anyone can win,” Tennis Australia Chief Tennis Officer Tom Larner said.

“It’s high pressure, unpredictable, and gives everyday Aussies the chance to have their Grand Slam moment. Thanks to Haier, we’re bringing it back bigger than ever for Australian Open 2027.

“From a local court to Rod Laver Arena, the concept is simple: win one point and stay alive. For one player, that journey could end with a life-changing prize. That’s what makes it so special.”

Following almost 300 community events held across the country in 2025, Tennis Australia is encouraging even more clubs, associations, schools and coaches to get involved.

“The AO 1 Point Slam is a fantastic way to engage existing members, attract new players and create excitement in local communities. Most importantly, it gives someone in the community the chance to live out their tennis dream,” Larner added.

The AO 1 Point Slam will see players of all levels, ages and abilities compete in a fast-paced, one-point knockout format, with a pathway from their local court to Rod Laver Arena in January 2027.

“Haier’s support of the AO 1 Point Slam reflects our global commitment to tennis and our belief in backing the Australian communities where the game begins,” Chief Marketing & Product Management Officer for Haier Australasia Katrina Glenday said.

“As the No.1 Global Major Appliance Brand* for 17 consecutive years, Haier is proud to support Australians to Play with the No.1s, creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the court with tennis greats.

“By bringing the 1 Point Slam into Haier’s Up Your Home Game campaign, participants have the chance to elevate their game on and off the court, with a Haier appliance package to be awarded as part of the competition.”

State and territory winners will compete during Opening Week at the Australian Open and be treated to an exclusive money can’t buy player experience.

This year’s sold-out AO 1 Point Slam captured global attention, bringing together 48 players from community tennis clubs across Australia in a winner-takes-all showdown against some of the sport’s biggest stars.

The event included global tennis icons Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Alexander Zverev and Naomi Osaka, alongside celebrity wildcards such as Andy Lee, Jay Chou and Damien Oliver.

How clubs, coaches and associations can host a 1 Point Slam

• From next week, affiliated clubs, associations, coaches and partner schools can register their interest to host a 1 Point Slam at tennis.com.au/one-point-slam.

• Once the EOI has been confirmed, they will receive a host pack including a ‘How To’ guide and promotional assets.

• Tennis Australia will list their 1 Point Slam for players to enter at tennis.com.au/one-point-slam.

• There are no sanction fees or entry fees required to host a 1 Point Slam community event.

• In December, all community event winners will compete in their respective State Championships event for the chance to play during Opening Week.

• All hosts will go into the draw for the chance to have a player represent them in the final.

• Every player in the main draw held on Rod Laver Arena will represent a local club with the club associated with the eventual champion – pro, amateur or wildcard – winning a $50,000 tennis grant.