The Australian Open birthed a new event at this year’s edition of the tournament: The One Point Slam.
In the week before the main draw at the first Grand Slam of the season kicked off, the One Point Slam took place, featuring amateurs going up against professionals in a knockout competition, with the winner receiving A$1,000,000.
Ultimately, Australian amateur Jordan Smith came out on top, beating ATP number two Jannik Sinner and two-time Grand Slam finalist Amanda Anisimova en route to the title.
The Australian Open is the best Grand Slam… discuss!
The One Point Slam was held before the Australian Open opening ceremony, which gets underway on Saturday, and will feature Roger Federer’s return to action on Rod Laver Arena.
Federer, who will play alongside Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt and Patrick Rafter in an exhibition match, weighed in on the One Point Slam.
Roger Federer discusses the One Point Slam in Melbourne
When asked if he watched the event, the Swiss legend replied: “I didn’t see it live, unfortunately because I was at dinner and everything. I watched actually highlights.
“I came back, and some people asked me, Did you see it? I was like, No, I haven’t seen it yet.
“I went on YouTube, started checking everything out. Took about half an hour to look at all the highlights, who double-faulted.
“Anyway, it was hilarious. I played the one-point tournaments myself at charity events and also exhibitions or weddings of friends and stuff like that. We’ve done it.
“I’ve lost some obviously. I like how everybody gets incredibly tight. It was good to see everybody feeling that way as well yesterday.”
Roger Federer’s last appearance at the Australian Open
Federer claimed six of his 20 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open, with his last major hoisted at Melbourne Park in 2018.
His last appearance at the tournament came in 2020, two years before he retired from the sport.
Serena Williams picked Roger Federer as the G.O.A.T.
That year, Federer advanced to the semifinals of the Australian Open, aged 38 at the time.
There, he met Novak Djokovic, who defeated him in straight sets before going on to secure a record-extending eighth title Down Under.
The victory also meant Djokovic went within three major crowns of Federer, who still held the record back in 2020.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
