Australia's Jordan Smith celebrates with the trophy after defeating Taiwan's Joanna Garland (AFP via Getty Images)Jack RathbornWed, January 14, 2026 at 12:19 PM UTC·2 min read

Australian amateur tennis player Jordan Smith upset Jannik Sinner on his way to a stunning AU$1m (£497,000) prize after victory in the 1 Point Slam.

The innovative tournament takes place ahead of this year’s 2026 Australian Open, with the chance for amateurs to mix it with the professionals for one point only.

And Smith thrived in the short format at the Kia Arena, opting for a conservative approach as his more established opponents wilted, including defending Australian Open champion and world No 2 Jannik Sinner, who faulted with his only serve.

Smith’s strategy was to “basically be a brick wall,” adding: “I’ll just make a lot of balls and hopefully they miss. If someone’s going to beat me, they’re going to have to hit a lot of tennis balls.”

And the New South Wales state champion continued his win streak, beating professionals Amanda Anisimova and Pedro Martinez to reach the final, to the delight of the home crowd.

Smith then ended the thrilling run of Joanna Garland, who failed to make it through qualifying for the Australian Open, only to beat Alexander Zverev and Nick Kyrgios.

The Taiwanese player won a game of rock, paper, scissors to determine who would decide who served and the 24-year-old opted to serve.

The world No 117’s serve was returned by Smith’s backhand, only for her own backhand to drift wide, handing the amateur victory.

World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz shared a post on X, simply writing: “Jordan Smith.” The Spaniard could be seen wildly reacting to the end of the final after watching it backstage alongside fellow professionals.

Australia's Jordan Smith celebrates after defeating Spain's Pedro Martinez (AFP via Getty Images)

Joanna Garland takes part in the 1 Point Slam (Getty Images)

"I can't even speak, that's unbelievable,” said Smith before detailing how he will spend his prize money.

“[I will] invest or buy a house with my girlfriend. Coming into tonight, I was happy winning one point, I was so nervous, it was a great experience.”

Italy's Jannik Sinner (R) embraces Australia's Jordan Smith (Getty Images)

Italy's Jannik Sinner (R) embraces Australia's Jordan Smith (AFP via Getty Images)

Smith’s club, Castle Hill Tennis Academy in Sydney, also benefited from his success, with Tennis Australia’s Chief Tennis Officer Tom Larner awarding them $50,000 to upgrade facilities and equipment.

Smith had earlier lost the final of the amateurs, with Queensland qualifier Alec Reverente triumphing to land himself a new Kia car.