Australian Open announce new tennis event which could be their equivalent to US Open mixed doubles

The US Open introduced a new-look mixed doubles event in 2025, which received mixed reviews.

In a bid to attract more eyes to doubles, the US Open revamped its mixed doubles tournament this year.

Top-ten players Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Iga Swiatek, and Jessica Pegula all competed, but interestingly, it was the doubles stars who emerged victorious.

Against all odds, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori defended their US Open title, defeating Swiatek and Casper Ruud in the final.

The event was a real success, leading many to question whether the other Grand Slam tournaments would follow suit and make changes to their mixed doubles format.

It seems unlikely that any changes will be made ahead of 2026, although the Australian Open has just revealed a new-look event, which could be their answer to the US Open mixed doubles.

Australian Open announce $1 million amateur vs pro ‘1-point Slam’

In 2026, the Australian Open will host the ‘Million Dollar 1-point Slam’, an event which pits 22 pros against ten amateurs.

Qualifying for the event will take place during the opening week, with the final set to be played on Rod Laver Arena.

The format is simple: the competitors will play a game of rock, paper, scissors to decide who serves, and whoever wins the point advances to the next round.

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During the 2026 Australian Open media launch event, tournament director Craig Tiley had this to say about the ‘Million Dollar 1-point Slam’.

“We are very excited to launch the new Million Dollar 1 Point Slam, with the ultimate winner – whether amateur or pro player – walking away with $1 million in prize money,” he said.

“In the coming weeks, we’ll open entries at clubs around the country, and during Opening Week, the finalists will battle it out for a spot to face the pros on Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday night – so you now have one million reasons to pick up a racquet and get in shape for January.”

Tiley then named the star player who will headline the list of pros competing at the event.

“I can reveal today that World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz will headline the pro player line-up in the Million Dollar 1 Point Slam – a thrilling new initiative where one point could win you $1 million,” he said.

Victorian pro Omar Jasika won the inaugural ‘1 Point Slam’ in 2025, but took home just $60,000 in prize money.

Increasing the prize pot to $1 million, the Australian Open have matched what was on offer for the winners of the 2025 US Open mixed doubles event.

It will certainly be interesting to see how fans respond to the new initiative in Melbourne, but what has Tiley said about introducing a new format to the mixed doubles event at the Australian Open?

Craig Tiley doesn’t plan on changing the Australian Open mixed doubles event

During an episode of ‘The Tennis’ podcast, host Brie Stewart claimed that the Australian Open isn’t planning on changing its mixed doubles format.

“What we have heard is that we do not have any plans to change how mixed doubles has always traditionally been played,” she said.

“Craig [Tiley] has come out and said he is happy with how it’s always been done.”

Australian duo Olivia Gadecki and John Peers won the title in 2025, becoming the first Aussie pair to win the tournament since Matthew Ebden and Jarmila Gajdosova in 2013.

Had the Australian Open opted for a US Open-style format, the likes of Gadecki and Peers may not have been given the chance to compete.

Sticking with tradition, the chances are Gadecki and Peers will have an opportunity to defend their title when the 2026 Australian Open begins on Monday, January 12.

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