Coco Gauff goes undercover to size up amateurs ahead of the $1 million 1 Point Slam
Updated . First published at
Two-time grand slam champion Coco Gauff was spotted going incognito at the Australian Open on Tuesday, sussing out her potential 1 Point Slam opponents during the qualifying rounds.
Over the first two days of Opening Week at Melbourne Park, fans had the opportunity to qualify for the event by competing against each other for eight spots in the main draw.
With a $1 million grand prize on the line for a single point, Gauff is not taking any chances, keeping an eye out for any giant-killers on the amateur side of the draw.
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Coco Gauff is spotted scouting the competition at Melbourne Park ahead of the 1 Point Slam. @australianopen via Instagram
Speaking during last week's United Cup, the world No.3 confessed to some nerves around the sudden-death format.
"I'm not looking forward to it. I didn't, like—yeah, they wanted me to. I'm not looking forward to it, but... We'll see how I do," she said with a laugh.
Nevertheless, Gauff intends to soak up the competitive spirit of Opening Week before launching her quest for a third major title next week.
Watch the 1 Point Slam on Wednesday night live and free on 9Now.
"I'm not very confident in myself. But yeah, I think it's great," she said.
"[The event] promotes the more fun side of tennis. Obviously, it's going to get pretty serious later on, but I think it's great for fanfare. Especially because our sport is really, 'Be quiet and don't move around too much'.
"It gives the fans a little different perspective on the sport."
Coco Gauff of the United States reacts after defeating Poland's Iga Swiatek in their singles semi-final match at the United Cup. Steve Christo/ Corbis via Getty Images
Here's everything you need to know about the 1 Point Slam.
What is the 1 Point Slam?
The 1 Point Slam is a unique, high-stakes, knockout tournament that will be held during the Opening Week of the 2026 Australian Open.
The event features a mix of tennis pros, amateurs, and celebrities competing in a sudden-death format where every match is decided by a single point.
When and where is the 1 Point Slam being held?
The main draw and final will be held on Wednesday, January 14, at 7pm AEDT at Rod Laver Arena.
Who is featured in the 1 Point Slam draw?
The 1 Point Slam draw is a 48-player knockout bracket featuring tennis stars, local amateurs, fans and celebrity wildcards.
Comprising 12 ATP and 12 WTA players, the field also includes eight amateur state champions, eight fans and eight celebrities.
Headlining the event are stars such as Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Nick Kyrgios, Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka and Gauff.
Reigning champion Jannik Sinner and world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz are set to headlinethe Australian Open's 1 Point Slam. Getty
Australian comedian Andy Lee and Nine's Today host Karl Stefanovic will be among the high-profile guests picking up a racquet. Former cricket captain Steve Waugh, 1997 French Open champion Iva Majoli, Taiwanese singer Jay Chou, and Australian gold medallists Sally Pearson and Nat Cook are also set to take part.
The full 48-player bracket will be finalised just before the event begins.
Confirmed professional entrants: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Lorenzo Musetti, Alexander Bublik, Daniil Medvedev, Tommy Paul, Nick Kyrgios, Andrey Rublev, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, Jasmine Paolini, Belinda Bencic, Naomi Osaka, Paula Badosa, Venus Williams
Amateur state champions: Thomas Van Haaren (Northern Territory/ Alice Springs), Ashleigh Simes (ACT / Weston Creek), Ashwin Vijayaragavan (South Australia/ Tea Tree Gully), Petar Jovic (Victoria/ Cranbourne), Steve Yarwood (Western Australia/ Cottesloe), Alec Reverente (Queensland/ Sandgate), Kyle Mackin (Tasmania/ Devonport), Jordan Smith (New South Wales/ Castle Hill)
What is the 1 Point Slam prize?
The tournament winner will walk away with a $1 million grand prize.
Additionally, the winner's affiliated club, school, or coach will receive a $50,000 grant for tennis facilities and programming.
Beyond the top prize, a Kia EV3 will be awarded to the last amateur standing in the draw.
What is the format of the 1 Point Slam?
The 2026 format is designed to level the playing field, giving the amateurs a legitimate chance to beat the pros at their own game.
Every match is decided by exactly one point, with the winner of that point advancing through a five-round knockout bracket. The loser is immediately eliminated.
The final two players standing will face off at Rod Laver Arena for the million-dollar prize.
What are the rules of the 1 Point Salm?
Instead of a traditional coin toss, players will play a game of Rock-Paper-Scissors to determine who serves or receives.
Amateurs are granted two serves (a first and a second), while professionals are restricted to just one. If they commit a service error, they lose the point immediately.
Players are responsible for their own line calls, following standard tennis etiquette.
How to watch the 1 Point Slam?
If you can't make it to Melbourne Park, you can still catch all the high-pressure action live and free on Nine and 9Now.
