The ultimate grassroots-to-Grand Slam tennis challenge is back
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It’s something every tennis player dreams of – going to the Australian Open to compete with the best of the best.
While it’s something usually reserved for elite athletes – the Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakinas of the world – Tennis Australia is once again bringing back the ultimate grassroots-to-Grand Slam challenge to clubs around Canberra.
Clubs can register a 1 Point Slam community event up until 30 November, so time is running out to compete in the all levels, ages and abilities one-point knockout format. The ultimate goal? Claiming the $1 million winner-takes-all prize in January 2027.
“If anyone watched the 1 Point Slam from Australian Open this year, the professionals had a lot of pressure if they chose to serve and only got one serve. It’s high stakes and high pressure,” explains Tennis ACT Tournament Director Skye Davies.
“We had state champions representing all the states at the 1 Point Slam this year. It was such a success that it’s become a big thing worldwide, and we will continue doing it this year and probably in years to come.”
Canberra local Ash Simes is one of the state champions who made it to the Australian Open last year.
A lifelong tennis player – picking up her first racquet at the age of three – she travelled to the United States to play college tennis, graduating in 2025. Now a professional tennis player, she decided to take part in the 2025 1 Point Slam as “a bit of fun”.
“With only one point, anything can happen, which makes it exciting. I definitely didn’t expect to win, but I was really happy and excited to have the opportunity to go to the Australian Open and see a different side of it,” she says.
“I’ve grown up watching the Australian Open, so getting the opportunity to be part of it was pretty special. Being around some of the best players in the world and experiencing that atmosphere was something I’ll always remember.”
Perfect for everyday Australians who dream of tennis greatness, the way the 1 Point Slam works is simple. For the chance to win the $1 million prize, you first need to compete in an AO 1 Point Slam Community Event for a chance to qualify for your respective State Championships. Then, all community event winners will compete in their respective State or Territory Championships, with the winners then competing during Opening Week at the Australian Open.
Ash says that while it might sound simple – whoever gets the first point wins – even for professionals, playing in a 1 Point Slam is a different kind of pressure.
“In a normal match, you’ve got time to recover from mistakes, but in this format, one shot can be the difference. I think the best thing you can do is just back yourself, have fun and not overthink it,” she says.
“Being able to represent Canberra on a stage like that was something I was really proud of, and hopefully it encourages more local players to get involved.”
The AO 1 Point Slam ACT State Championship will take place on Sunday 13 December at the Canberra Tennis Centre in Lyneham. The winner goes into the draw to earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Australian Open 2027 Opening Week – and the opportunity to play in the ultimate showdown.
Skye says that it’s also the perfect excuse for casual players or those who have never picked up a racquet before to get down to their local club.
“It’s really easy for players who want to have a social experience and have some fun. Winning might be a little more difficult – but grabbing a racquet and giving it a go is simple and the opportunity to potentially win this local event, win your state final, and then get down to AO and play against pros – and maybe even win that $1 million on offer – is an exciting thing to be a part of.”
To see which local clubs are holding a 1 Point Slam event, visit tennis.com.au. For more information or to register to play, find out more here!
THE ESSENTIALS
What: AO 1 Point Slam
Where: Various locations
Web: tennis.com.au
Images supplied.
