The Athlete Lifestyle logo

Jannik Sinner shockingly loses 'match' to amateur for $1M prize at Australian Open

The world No. 2 made and two-time defending Australian Open champion shockingly lost a point to an Aussie amateur.
Matthew Graham|
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz react to Jordan Smith winning the $1 million amateur prize.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz react to Jordan Smith winning the $1 million amateur prize. | IMAGO / PRESSE SPORTS

Jannik Sinner is one of the two heavy favorites to win the Australian Open for the third straight year, along with his buddy and world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz.

Too bad Australian amateur Jordan Smith had to ruin the party — well, only sort of in the most adorable way possible.

RELATED: Jannik Sinner confirms girlfriend Laila Hasanovic in speech with model attending

Jannik Sinner, Jordan Smith
Jannik Sinner hugs Jordan Smith after shockingly losing the point | IMAGO / PRESSE SPORTS

In a great marketing gimmick to promote tennis' first Grand Slam of 2026, amateurs and celebrities took on the world's best for a chance to win $1 million in the "Million Dollar One Point Slam." To be technical, it's Aussie currency, so in US dollars, it equates to about $670,000.

RELATED: Alexander Zverev causes stir with new girlfriend Caroline Daur at Australian Open

Regardless, Australian amateur Smith played national hero for a night when Sinner, the four-time major winner and world No. 2, shockingly double faulted to let Smith advance.

It was an amazing moment for Smith, and as you can tell, Sinner was ecstatic for him in a heartwarming moment.

Then with the $1M on the line, Smith beat world No. 117 Joanna Garland, who had an unforced error backhand, probably feeling the pressure just as much as Smith, and the crowd understandably went absolutely nuts.

Smith makes history in the massive 'upset'

Jannik Sinner, Jordan Smith
Jannik Sinner hugs Jordan Smith after shockingly losing the point | IMAGO / PRESSE SPORTS

Tennis fans had fun with the awesome moment, noting that since 2024, only two men have won an event that both Alcaraz and Sinner have played in — Andrey Rublev at the 2024 Madrid Open, and Jordan Smith for the "One Point Slam."

It was also Sinner's first "loss" at the Aussie Open since 2023 as the two-timd defending champion.

— Enjoy free dish of rich and fabulous players with The Athlete Lifestyle on SI —

Lane who?: Lane Kiffin’s wife Layla turns heads with thigh-high boots amid LSU drama

Bey Jr.: Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy’s bold look causes stir at Lakers game with Jay-Z

Oh no: Sherrone Moore’s wife Kelli in spotlight after his Michigan firing for alleged affair

WWAG: Cooper DeJean, 22, WWE’s Nikki Bella, 42, cause dating rumors stir hanging out

Eerie: Aaron Rodgers’ wife Brittani mystery deepens missing Steelers WAGs Xmas party

Published | Modified
Matthew Graham
MATTHEW GRAHAM

Matthew Graham has over 20 years of media experience and oversees The Athlete Lifestyle On SI. He has had previous leadership roles at NBC Sports, Yahoo, and USA TODAY, where he co-founded For The Win (named Best Mobile Site by Digiday). He has also written for ESPN, Cosmopolitan, US Weekly, People, E! Online, and FHM, covering major sports and entertainment events like the Oscars, the Golden Globes, NBA Finals, Super Bowl, and winning the Yahoo Superstar Award for coverage of the Olympics.

Home/Business