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In a unique attempt to make the event even bigger, the 2025 Australian Open is all set to launch a new tournament before the Grand Slam begins. The new event is called the "AO 1 Point Slam" and is set to take place in the week before the main draw action begins at Melbourne Park on January 12.
The event will feature 32 players, with an even split between professional and amateur players (16 each). While the identities of the professional players are not out yet, the amateur players can submit their names for entry.
The registration process is set to happen between January 3 and January 7. The stipulations state that the applicant must be a minimum of 14 years of age, hold a Universal Tennis Rating of at least 4.0, and must be able to attend the event.
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As for the event itself, a unique format has been adopted. The event will be a mixed-gender one, with both men and women playing against each other. The match will start with the customary toss to decide the server and returner. While the professional player will get only one serving chance, the amateurs will have two chances to serve.
The match will be played for only one single point, and whoever wins will be eligible for the next round. The event will consist of 5 rounds and 31 matches and will be over in only one session.
To make the event more competitive, a prize of $60,000 has been allotted for the winner. The event is all set to take place on January 9.
The Australian Open is the first Major event on both the ATP and WTA calendars
The Australian Open has been the opening marker of both the ATP and WTA calendars for several years now. It is the first of the four Grand Slams in the year and the first high-profile event of the year, where all the top players take part to ply their trade.
In 2025, the event will have higher stakes than ever, most so for last year's champions, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka. Sabalenka is undefeated at Melbourne Park for the last 14 matches, as she has won the title for the last two years. She finished the 2024 season as the newly crowned World No. 1 and will look to keep her dominance to keep competitors at bay.
On the other hand, the Australian Open triumph last year was the big breakthrough moment for Jannik Sinner. The Italian went on to have one of the most dominant seasons in ATP history. Being the defending champion, the 23-year-old will now have the challenge to replicate his 2024 success and cement his place at the top spot in the sport.
