Australian amateur tennis player Jordan Smith has beaten Jannik Sinner to claim a stunning A$1 million prize after winning a 1-point Grand Slam.
This innovative event takes place ahead of this year’s 2026 Australian Open, giving amateurs the chance to mix with professionals to compete for a point.
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Smith excelled in the short game at Kia Arena, opting for a conservative approach as his veteran rivals languished, including defending Australian Open champion and world No. 2 Jannik Sinner, who made an error on his only serve.
Smith’s strategy was to “basically be a brick wall,” adding: “I would hit a lot of shots and hope they missed. If someone was going to beat me, they were going to have to hit a lot of tennis balls.”
The NSW champion continued her winning streak, beating pros Amanda Anisimova and Pedro Martinez to reach the final, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Smith then ended a thrilling run by Joanna Garland, who failed to qualify for the Australian Open but ended up beating Alexander Zverev and Nick Kyrgios.
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The Taiwanese player won a rock-paper-scissors game to decide who would serve, and the 24-year-old chose to serve.
The world No. 117’s serve was returned by Smith with a backhand, but her own backhand missed the sideline and the amateur won.
Australia’s Jordan Smith celebrates after defeating Spain’s Pedro Martinez (AFP via Getty Images)
Joanna Garland competes in the 1-point grand slam (Getty Images)
“I can’t even speak, it’s unbelievable,” Smith said before detailing how he would spend his winnings.
“[I will] Invest or buy a house with your girlfriend. Going into tonight I was happy to win a point, I was nervous and it was a great experience. “
Italy’s Jannik Sinner (right) hugs Australia’s Jordan Smith (Getty Images)
Italy’s Jannik Sinner (right) hugs Australia’s Jordan Smith (AFP via Getty Images)
Smith’s club Sydney’s Castle Hill Tennis Academy has also benefited from his success, with Tennis Australia chief tennis officer Tom Larner awarding them $50,000 to upgrade facilities and equipment.
Smith had earlier lost the amateur final, which was won by Queensland qualifier Alec Reverente, earning himself a new car.