Carlos Alcaraz Set to Compete Against Everyday Players in Seven-Figure Single-Point Showdown
Recreational competitors are getting the possibility to claim one million Australian dollars when they compete against world-class athletes - headed by leading player the Spanish champion - in a one-point battle before the year's first major
Tournament officials of the Melbourne major have revealed the Million Dollar One Point Slam, which will pit everyday competitors against 22 professionals in a elimination competition at the Australian Open venue
This Innovative Event Will Work
Competitors are set to play 'the decision-making game' to decide who takes the serve or return position, and whoever wins the point will advance to the next round
The victor of the event will take home £490,000
By comparison, players who reached the final four of the primary tournaments in the last edition won A$1.1m
Previous Similar Events
The New York major staged a redesigned, standalone mixed doubles tournament in August which motivated top singles players to participate, with the winners receiving one million US dollars
The Melbourne tournament held its debut single-point competition in the current season, but the cash prize was sixty thousand Australian dollars and it received minimal attention
One top competitor was the sole elite competitor participating, and his campaign came to an end when he sent the one and only serve granted into the mesh in his last eight match
Event Specifics
Officials have not detailed exactly how the event will operate, but it is anticipated to emulate a akin setup to the most recent iteration
The elite players will be permitted to serve once and the everyday players twice - as is the standard practice in conventional tennis
While it is unclear how the pairings will work, there will be several competitive phases and the venue will be the main stadium rather than the secondary venue
The concluding rounds will take place in a nighttime schedule instead of midday timing
Participation Requirements
Local players - or international players who have enrolled with the governing body - can enter 'quick-match event' events at their neighborhood facilities
The victors of the community events will then go into a random pairing, with one amateur player from every geographic division chosen to take part in the 'championship round' in a night session on the specified date
There will also be a entry tournament in the final month which everyday players, developing professionals, famous personalities and sport stars can enter
It starts on the starting date and the successful competitors will advance to Wednesday's 'grand finale' with the additional everyday players and top-ranked athletes
"Regardless of your skill level, the overall victor will walk away with the reward. Entries will open soon at venues throughout the nation"
Event organizers said there were "more big names to be announced soon", while the official website said "well-known figures" would be taking part