Amateur stuns the tennis world, beats Sinner and wins Ksh85 million in One Point Slam

In a story that feels straight out of a movie, Jordan Smith, an amateur from Sydney, held his nerve to claim the One Point Slam and a $661,000 (Ksh85 M) payday, just days before the Australian Open kicks off.

The unique showdown pitted amateurs and celebrities against 24 top-tier professionals, including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Iga Swiatek. But it was Smith, the New South Wales state champion, who emerged victorious, defeating two-time Australian Open winner Sinner, women's world No. 4 Amanda Anisimova, and finally Joanna Garland in the dramatic finale.

Garland, ranked No. 117, had herself caused shockwaves by knocking out Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, and Maria Sakkari en route to the final. Yet Smith's calm under pressure proved unstoppable.

"I don't know anymore. Coming into tonight, I was just happy to win one point," Smith admitted. "I was so nervous, but I enjoyed being out here. It was a great experience."

Plans for his windfall?

"I'll buy a house," he added with a grin.

The One Point Slam brought a mix of chaos and spectacle to Melbourne Park: elimination rounds decided by just one point, with a quirky twist of 'rock, paper, scissors' to choose serve or receive. Amateurs got two serves, while ATP and WTA pros were restricted to one - a rule that led to jaw-dropping upsets.

Greece's Maria Sakkari stunned world No. 1 Alcaraz after a netted dropshot, leaving the Spaniard flustered. Six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek bowed out to Spain's Pedro Martinez, who shocked world No. 10 Alexander Bublik with an underhand serve.

"I gave him a taste of his own medicine," Martinez said.

Smith's triumph is a powerful reminder: in tennis, as in life, the underdog can rise when it matters most. With the Australian Open set to begin January 18 at Melbourne Park, the sport's biggest names will now have to shake off this unforgettable upset.