Carlos Alcaraz Set to Compete Against Non-Professionals in Million Dollar Winner-Takes-All Event
Amateur players are being offered an opportunity to claim a seven-figure prize when they compete against tennis' top professionals - featuring leading player the Spanish champion - in a one-point battle before the Australian Grand Slam
Tournament officials of the Melbourne major have revealed the Million Dollar One Point Slam, which will match everyday competitors against top-ranked players in a elimination competition at the tournament grounds
How the Competition Operates
Participants must play 'the classic hand game' to decide who gets to serve or return, and the competitor securing the point will move forward to the subsequent phase
The victor of the event will earn approximately half a million pounds
Contextually, players who made it to the final four of the men's or women's singles in the last edition won substantial prize money
Previous Comparable Tournaments
The American Grand Slam staged a redesigned, independent combined gender tournament in the eighth month which prompted top singles players to take part, with the champions receiving $1m
The Melbourne tournament held its inaugural quick-fire event in the current season, but the cash prize was A$60,000 and it generated little publicity
One top competitor was the only top-10 player competing, and his run finished when he sent the one and only serve permitted into the net in his last eight match
Tournament Specifics
Planners have not specified precisely how the event will function, but it is anticipated to emulate a similar format to this year's edition
The professionals will be allowed to serve once and the non-professionals on two occasions - as is the standard practice in standard play
While it is unclear how the draw will work, there will be five knockout rounds and the venue will be the main stadium rather than the alternative court
The final stages will take place in a nighttime schedule instead of 1pm local time
Competitor Requirements
Local players - or overseas competitors who have registered with the national federation - can compete in 'single-point competition' events at their neighborhood facilities
The victors of the community events will then go into a draw, with an everyday competitor from every geographic division chosen to participate in the 'championship round' in a nighttime event on mid-January
There will also be a preliminary competition in the final month which non-professionals, lower ranked pros, well-known figures and athletic celebrities can compete in
It commences on the starting date and the successful competitors will advance to the following day's 'grand finale' with the other eight amateurs and top-ranked athletes
"Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the final champion will walk away with the reward. Registrations will begin shortly at clubs nationwide"
Tournament officials stated there were "additional stars to be revealed shortly", while the event portal said "well-known figures" would be participating