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Amateur players are getting the chance to claim A$1m when they compete against tennis' top professionals - headed by leading player Carlos Alcaraz - in a winner-takes-all point before January's Australian Open

Tournament officials of the Australian Open have announced the $1 Million Single-Point Tournament, which will pit 10 amateur players against elite athletes in a elimination competition at Melbourne Park

The Unique Tournament Functions

Players will play 'the decision-making game' to determine who takes the serve or return position, and whoever wins the point will progress to the next round

The victor of the event will receive £490,000

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

Past Similar Events

The US Open staged a restructured, standalone combined gender tournament in August which motivated top singles players to take part, with the champions receiving one million US dollars

The Melbourne tournament held its debut One Point Slam earlier this year, but the total purse was a smaller amount and it had limited exposure

The Russian player was the only top-10 player participating, and his run came to an end when he sent the single service opportunity allowed into the net in his quarter-final

Competition Specifics

Officials have not detailed exactly how the event will operate, but it is anticipated to mirror a akin setup to this year's edition

The top competitors will be permitted to have a single serve and the amateurs twice - as is the norm in standard play

While it is unclear how the bracket will work, there will be five knockout rounds and the location will be the primary court rather than the smaller Kia Arena

The concluding rounds will occur in a nighttime schedule instead of midday timing

Participation Information

Any Australians - or foreign participants who have registered with Tennis Australia - can participate in 'quick-match event' tournaments at their community centers

The winners of the grassroots tournaments will then go into a selection process, with a single non-professional from every state and territory picked to compete in the 'grand finale' in a nighttime event on Wednesday, 14 January

There will also be a preliminary competition in December which everyday players, developing professionals, famous personalities and athletic celebrities can participate in

It starts on Monday, 12 January and the two winners will qualify for the midweek 'championship match' with the additional everyday players and elite competitors

"Regardless of your skill level, the overall victor will walk away with the award. Applications will open soon at venues throughout the nation"

Tournament officials said there were "more big names to be unveiled imminently", while the tournament site indicated "celebrities" would be involved