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Recreational competitors are being offered the possibility to claim A$1m when they face world-class athletes - including leading player Carlos Alcaraz - in a winner-takes-all point prior to January's Australian Open

Event planners of the Melbourne major have revealed the Seven-Figure Quick-Fire Competition, which will pair everyday competitors against top-ranked players in a elimination competition at the Australian Open venue

The Unique Competition Operates

Players will play 'the classic hand game' to determine who takes the serve or return position, and the player who wins the point will progress to the next round

The victor of the event will receive £490,000

By comparison, players who advanced to the penultimate round of the main draw competitions in the 2025 Australian Open won substantial prize money

Past Related Competitions

The American Grand Slam hosted a redesigned, standalone mixed doubles tournament in late summer which prompted top singles players to take part, with the champions receiving one million US dollars

The year's first major held its first-ever single-point competition this year, but the cash prize was A$60,000 and it had limited exposure

Andrey Rublev was the sole elite competitor participating, and his run concluded when he directed the single service opportunity granted into the mesh in his penultimate round

Tournament Specifics

Officials have not said exactly how the event will function, but it is anticipated to follow a akin setup to the previous version

The top competitors will be granted to make one service and the everyday players on two occasions - as is the norm in conventional tennis

While it is uncertain how the draw will work, there will be multiple elimination stages and the location will be the primary court rather than the smaller Kia Arena

The last matches will be held in a nighttime schedule instead of early afternoon

Competitor Requirements

Any Australians - or international players who have enrolled with the governing body - can participate in 'single-point competition' competitions at their community centers

The victors of the community events will then go into a random pairing, with one amateur player from every geographic division picked to participate in the 'championship round' in a night session on Wednesday, 14 January

There will also be a qualifying draw in late year which non-professionals, aspiring competitors, famous personalities and sport stars can compete in

It begins on early January and the successful competitors will advance to Wednesday's 'final showdown' with the other eight amateurs and elite competitors

"Regardless of your skill level, the overall victor will claim the reward. Entries will open soon at venues nationwide"

Event organizers stated there were "additional stars to be unveiled imminently", while the official website said "celebrities" would be involved