Alcaraz, Sinner, Gauff and Osaka confirmed for Australian Open 1 Point Slam in January 2027
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz will headline the one-point exhibition at Rod Laver Arena on 13 January 2027, four days before the main draw starts. The winner receives A$1 million.
Field for the 2027 edition
Carlos Alcaraz, the defending Australian Open champion, will headline the AO 1 Point Slam next year alongside Jannik Sinner, Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka. Organisers announced the line-up on Thursday at the Australian Open launch in Melbourne. Earlier this week Sinner announced he will not play again this season because of a persistent knee injury. Alcaraz had a better week, winning an ATP tournament on Tuesday for the first time since February after a long-running wrist injury.
How the format works
Each match consists of a single point, so the winner advances and the loser is out. A game of rock, paper, scissors decides who serves or receives. Amateurs have a small edge because they get two serves, so a first-serve fault still leaves them a second chance. The winner receives A$1 million, which AFP converts to US$670,000, and the trophy is crafted from Australian silver.
Last year's edition
The format debuted in 2025, when Australian professional Omar Jasika won the inaugural A$60,000 prize. In 2026 the event was played at Melbourne Park with 24 professionals alongside 24 amateurs and celebrity wildcards. Sydney amateur Jordan Smith beat Taiwan's Joanna Garland in the final after earlier beating Sinner and Amanda Anisimova, collecting A$1 million. Alcaraz lost his third match in 2025 to Greece's Maria Sakkari.
- Professionals
- 24
- Amateurs and celebrity wildcards
- 24
Qualifying and schedule
Tom Larner, Tennis Australia's Chief Tennis Officer, described the event in a statement:
It creates an opportunity for grassroots tennis players to share the spotlight with some of the biggest names in the game and delivers a level of excitement that only the Australian Open can provide.
According to Europa Press, up to 1,000 clubs will host local qualifying competitions over the next two months, with state championships feeding the field. AFP reports the amateur field will include winners of eight state championship rounds plus eight qualifiers. The final is scheduled for 13 January 2027 at Rod Laver Arena, and the main draw runs from 17 to 31 January.
- Local qualifying held at up to 1,000 clubs
- Final at Rod Laver Arena
- Australian Open main draw begins
- Australian Open main draw ends
Looking ahead
Organisers plan to increase viewing capacity and seating for the 2027 tournament. More than 1.3 million fans attended the 2026 Australian Open, according to AFP. The exhibition's final will take place in the opening week, before the main draw begins on 17 January.
