The Australian Open is set to enthrall fans with a unique and massive opportunity to become millionaires with a ‘world-first’ tennis experience in January 2026. This time, it won’t just be the pros who will take a shot at the winner’s trophy and the lucrative cash prize. Some of the aspiring tennis enthusiasts will also get a golden chance to pocket a handsome paycheck. The hard-court slam is coming with a never-before-seen showdown of pros and amateurs, and it is already generating hype among fans. Thanks to Carlos Alcaraz coming on board.

Before the main draws take place in Melbourne next season, the opening week will feature a special ‘Million Dollar 1 Point Slam’. According to tournament director Craig Tiley, it is going to be “a thrilling new initiative where one point could win you $1 million,” reported Australian Open’s website on October 7. He also confirmed that many elite singles players will headline this unique event. Six-time major winner Carlos Alcaraz has already been locked to participate. More pros are yet to be revealed leading up to the slam in January.

Explaining the initiative, Tiley added, “Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, the ultimate winner will walk away with the prize. Entries will open soon at clubs across the country, and during Opening Week, finalists will compete for a chance to face the pros on Rod Laver Arena.” 

Speaking more of the event, it will feature 22 pros competing against 10 amateurs from across the country. The format is similar to the regular elimination draw, with ‘rock, paper, scissors’ determining who serves or who receives. The official website stated, “Whoever wins the point wins the match and progresses to the next round, while the loser of the point is eliminated from the event. The winner of the final match wins the $1 million prize.”

The qualifying stage for this event will take place across Australia. It will also be held during the Opening Week of the slam. The final battle will take place at the Rod Laver Arena.

This year’s edition of the Australian Open drew more than 1.2 million fans at the venue. But now the officials are trying to escalate this record engagement even further in 2026 season. Perhaps the inspiration to have a million-dollar unique event is coming from what the US Open did in August 2025.

With Carlos Alcaraz and others, Australian Open looks to replicate US Open’s magic

The US Open pulled off a huge experiment this season with overwhelming success. The last slam of the season reinvented the mixed doubles event. It paired top singles players (ATP and WTA) in teams of two.

With the likes of Carlos Alcaraz-Emma Raducanu, Taylor Fritz-Elena Rybakina, and Jessica Pegula-Jack Draper coming together on the court, the event managed to attract eyeballs in record numbers.

During the fan week, ahead of the main draw matches, the mixed doubles experience drew 78,000 fans to the ground. The matches at Arthur Ashe were sold out. In terms of viewership, the two-day event attracted 343,000 people on ESPN.

The Australian Open’s ‘Million Dollar 1 Point Slam’ will try to generate similar numbers for its own fan week. Apart from top-class singles players like Carlos Alcaraz, the experience will also bring in celebrity wildcards. They will be athletes from other sports.

It will be intriguing to see whether this initiative turns into a record-breaking success down under.