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Recreational competitors are getting an opportunity to win a seven-figure prize when they face world-class athletes - including top-ranked the Spanish champion - in a single-point showdown prior to January's Australian Open

Organizers of the Melbourne major have revealed the Seven-Figure Quick-Fire Competition, which will pair 10 amateur players against elite athletes in a knockout tournament at the Australian Open venue

This Innovative Event Will Work

Players will play 'the classic hand game' to determine who gets to serve or return, and the competitor securing the point will progress to the next round

The winner of the event will earn a significant cash prize

By comparison, players who made it to the semi-finals of the primary tournaments in the 2025 Australian Open won A$1.1m

Earlier Related Competitions

The US Open organized a revamped, independent mixed doubles tournament in the eighth month which prompted top singles players to participate, with the victors receiving $1m

The Australian Open held its inaugural quick-fire event in the current season, but the cash prize was A$60,000 and it generated little publicity

Andrey Rublev was the sole elite competitor participating, and his campaign came to an end when he put the one and only serve granted into the net in his quarter-final

Event Specifics

Planners have not specified precisely how the event will work, but it is projected to mirror a similar format to the most recent iteration

The elite players will be permitted to make one service and the everyday players twice - as is the standard practice in standard play

While it is unclear how the draw will work, there will be five knockout rounds and the location will be the primary court rather than the secondary venue

The concluding rounds will occur in a nighttime schedule instead of early afternoon

Entry Information

Any Australians - or international players who have enrolled with Tennis Australia - can participate in 'single-point competition' competitions at their neighborhood facilities

The victors of the local competitions will then go into a draw, with a single non-professional from every region and area chosen to participate in the 'grand finale' in a night session on Wednesday, 14 January

There will also be a preliminary competition in December which amateurs, developing professionals, well-known figures and athletic celebrities can enter

It commences on early January and the pair of champions will qualify for the midweek 'grand finale' with the remaining non-professionals and top-ranked athletes

"Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the ultimate winner will walk away with the prize. Applications will start imminently at venues throughout the nation"

Competition planners said there were "additional stars to be revealed shortly", while the tournament site mentioned "celebrities" would be involved