An amateur tennis player from Sydney, Jordan Smith, secured gold on Wednesday, capturing a check for 1 million Australian dollars ($661,000) after maintaining composure and winning the “One Point Slam” ahead of the Australian Open.
This contest pitted amateurs and celebrities against an elite field of 24 professionals, including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Iga Swiatek.
Smith, who qualified as the New South Wales state champion, defeated two-time Australian Open victor Sinner and the world number four female player Amanda Anisimova, before beating Joanne Garland in the final.
Taiwanese Garland, ranked 117th among women, reached the final by overcoming the world number three Alexander Zverev, former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios, and Maria Sakkari.
“I don’t know anymore. Before this evening, I was just happy to win one point. I was so anxious, but I enjoyed being here. It was a wonderful experience,” Smith stated, adding that she intends to purchase a house with her winnings.
The year’s first major tennis event—the Australian Open—commences in slightly over a week in Melbourne. This year, the Australian Open adds extra excitement and nostalgia with the return of the great Roger Federer, who is playing an exhibition match before the tournament. CNN Sports’ Patrick Snell met with recently retired Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion. Thiem begins by describing how much he looks forward to Federer’s return to the court.
Former Ace Dominic Thiem Previews Upcoming Australian Open
4:13
The event, part of the tournament’s extended opening week, featured a knockout draw where “rock, paper, scissors” was used to decide who would serve or receive, with the point victor advancing to the next round.
Amateurs were allowed two serves, but ATP or WTA-ranked players could attempt only once.
Greece’s Sakkari knocked out the men’s world number one Alcaraz with a drop shot.
“The drop shot was my opportunity; I don’t know what happened,” a bewildered Alcaraz said.
Six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek lost to Spaniard Pedro Martinez, who thrilled the crowd at Rod Laver Arena by surprising the world number 10 Alexander Bublik with an underarm serve.
“I gave him a taste of his own medicine,” Martinez remarked about Bublik, who is known for his phenomenal touch and penchant for trick shots.
The Australian Open will run from January 18 to February 1 at Melbourne Park.
About the Author
