Alcaraz Set to Compete Against Everyday Players in $1 Million Winner-Takes-All Event
Everyday tennis enthusiasts are being offered the possibility to win one million Australian dollars when they compete against tennis' top professionals - featuring world number one Carlos Alcaraz - in a one-point battle leading up to the Australian Grand Slam
Tournament officials of the year's first Grand Slam have unveiled the $1 Million Single-Point Tournament, which will pit everyday competitors against top-ranked players in a single-elimination format at the Australian Open venue
The Unique Competition Operates
Participants must play 'rock, paper, scissors' to decide who gets to serve or return, and the player who wins the point will advance to the next round
The winner of the event will take home a significant cash prize
Contextually, players who reached the semi-finals of the main draw competitions in the previous year's tournament won over a million Australian dollars
Previous Related Competitions
The American Grand Slam organized a revamped, independent mixed doubles tournament in late summer which prompted top singles players to compete, with the champions receiving $1m
The year's first major held its first-ever quick-fire event in the current season, but the total purse was a smaller amount and it generated little publicity
Andrey Rublev was the single high-ranked athlete participating, and his progress concluded when he directed the single service opportunity granted failing to clear the net in his penultimate round
Competition Details
Officials have not specified precisely how the event will function, but it is projected to emulate a akin setup to the most recent iteration
The top competitors will be granted to serve once and the everyday players two times - as is the norm in traditional tennis
While it is unclear how the draw will work, there will be five knockout rounds and the site will be the main stadium rather than the smaller Kia Arena
The final stages will occur in a evening slot instead of 1pm local time
Entry Information
Domestic competitors - or overseas competitors who have registered with the national federation - can participate in 'quick-match event' competitions at their community centers
The victors of the local competitions will then go into a random pairing, with a single non-professional from every region and area chosen to participate in the 'grand finale' in a night session on the specified date
There will also be a qualifying draw in the final month which amateurs, developing professionals, celebrities and sport stars can compete in
It commences on early January and the two winners will qualify for Wednesday's 'grand finale' with the remaining non-professionals and elite competitors
"No matter your experience, the overall victor will claim the reward. Applications will start imminently at clubs nationwide"
Competition planners mentioned there were "additional stars to be revealed shortly", while the official website indicated "famous personalities" would be taking part
