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Amateur players are getting an opportunity to earn a seven-figure prize when they compete against elite players - including top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz - in a winner-takes-all point leading up to the Australian Grand Slam

Organizers of the year's first Grand Slam have revealed the Million Dollar One Point Slam, which will pair everyday competitors against elite athletes in a single-elimination format at the Australian Open venue

How the Tournament Functions

Players will play 'rock, paper, scissors' to decide who gets to serve or return, and the competitor securing the point will advance to the next round

The winner of the event will receive approximately half a million pounds

Contextually, players who advanced to the final four of the primary tournaments in the last edition won substantial prize money

Previous Comparable Tournaments

The American Grand Slam staged a revamped, separate combined gender tournament in late summer which prompted top singles players to take part, with the champions receiving $1m

The Melbourne tournament held its debut quick-fire event in the current season, but the total purse was a smaller amount and it received minimal attention

One top competitor was the single high-ranked athlete participating, and his run finished when he directed the single service opportunity allowed failing to clear the net in his quarter-final

Event Specifics

Planners have not specified precisely how the event will function, but it is projected to mirror a akin setup to the previous version

The top competitors will be permitted to have a single serve and the non-professionals two times - as is the norm in conventional tennis

While it is unclear how the draw will work, there will be several competitive phases and the location will be the main stadium rather than the smaller Kia Arena

The last matches will be held in a evening slot instead of 1pm local time

Competitor Requirements

Domestic competitors - or foreign participants who have signed up with Tennis Australia - can participate in 'One Point Slam' events at their local tennis clubs

The champions of the grassroots tournaments will then go into a draw, with one amateur player from every region and area selected to participate in the 'grand finale' in a evening match on Wednesday, 14 January

There will also be a qualifying draw in December which non-professionals, aspiring competitors, well-known figures and athletic celebrities can participate in

It commences on Monday, 12 January and the two winners will go into the following day's 'grand finale' with the additional everyday players and 10 professionals

"No matter your experience, the ultimate winner will claim the reward. Registrations will open soon at clubs nationwide"

Tournament officials mentioned there were "additional stars to be announced soon", while the tournament site mentioned "well-known figures" would be involved