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Everyday tennis enthusiasts are getting the chance to claim A$1m when they take on tennis' top professionals - headed by leading player the Spanish champion - in a winner-takes-all point prior to the Australian Grand Slam

Organizers of the year's first Grand Slam have revealed the $1 Million Single-Point Tournament, which will match 10 amateur players against top-ranked players in a elimination competition at Melbourne Park

The Unique Tournament Functions

Participants must play 'the decision-making game' to establish who gets to serve or return, and whoever wins the point will move forward to the next round

The champion of the event will earn a significant cash prize

Contextually, players who made it to the semi-finals of the men's or women's singles in the last edition won substantial prize money

Previous Similar Events

The New York major staged a restructured, independent combined gender tournament in August which motivated top singles players to compete, with the winners receiving one million US dollars

The Australian Open held its first-ever quick-fire event in the current season, but the prize fund was A$60,000 and it had limited exposure

The Russian player was the only top-10 player involved, and his progress came to an end when he sent the sole serving chance granted failing to clear the net in his penultimate round

Competition Information

Organizers have not specified precisely how the event will operate, but it is projected to mirror a akin setup to the most recent iteration

The elite players will be permitted to serve once and the everyday players on two occasions - as is the norm in standard play

While it is unclear how the draw will work, there will be five knockout rounds and the venue will be the main stadium rather than the smaller Kia Arena

The concluding rounds will be held in a evening slot instead of 1pm local time

Participation Details

Domestic competitors - or overseas competitors who have registered with the national federation - can participate in 'single-point competition' competitions at their local tennis clubs

The winners of the local competitions will then go into a random pairing, with one amateur player from every state and territory selected to participate in the 'grand finale' in a evening match on mid-January

There will also be a preliminary competition in December which amateurs, aspiring competitors, celebrities and athletic celebrities can compete in

It begins on early January and the pair of champions will qualify for Wednesday's 'final showdown' with the additional everyday players and elite competitors

"Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the final champion will receive the award. Registrations will open soon at clubs throughout the nation"

Tournament officials stated there were "further celebrities to be revealed shortly", while the tournament site indicated "famous personalities" would be taking part