You won't believe what happened at the AO 1 Point Slam! Nick Kyrgios, known for his fiery on-court demeanor, had a moment that perfectly captured the event's unique blend of high stakes and lightheartedness. On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Rod Laver Arena, Kyrgios, after losing to Joanna Garland in the AO 1 Point Slam, did something that many tennis fans are familiar with: he smashed his racquet.
Garland's victory over Kyrgios was a significant achievement, propelling her towards the final of this inaugural event. She also managed to defeat German player Alexander Zverev on her path to the summit clash. The final saw Garland facing off against Aussie amateur player Jordan Smith.
But here's where it gets interesting: Smith, an amateur player, emerged as the first-ever champion of the AO 1 Point Slam, winning a cool million dollars! He achieved this remarkable feat by overcoming top-ranked stars, including Jannik Sinner and Amanda Anisimova.
And this is the part most people miss: The AO 1 Point Slam is a unique event. It features a mix of 16 amateur players, 8 wildcard entries, and 24 professionals. The format pits amateurs against professionals in a single-point match. The winner advances, adding a thrilling element of unpredictability to the competition. The receiver of the serve is determined by a round of Rock-Paper-Scissors. Professionals are allowed only one serve, while amateurs get two.
Smith's journey to the final included a victory over World No.2 Jannik Sinner. The Italian player unfortunately hit his serve into the net, which led to Smith's advancement.
The event, which took place in Australia, showcased a thrilling mix of professional and amateur talent.
What do you think about the AO 1 Point Slam format? Do you believe it adds excitement to the sport, or do you think it diminishes the skills of the professionals? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
