The 1 Point Slam returns to the Australian Open in 2027. The million-dollar prize format rewards players who win a single point during designated matches throughout the tournament.
This gimmick generates casual fan interest and gives lower-ranked players a shot at serious money even if they lose early. The Australian Open embraced it before, and the venue clearly sees value in the spectacle. It works for broadcasters too. Viewers tune in for the drama of whether someone pulls off the feat, and it fills dead time during early rounds when marquee matchups haven't started.
Tennis has leaned into these kinds of promotional angles in recent years, especially on the men's side where viewership outside the Big Three has dropped. The ATP and Grand Slam organizers know serious fans will watch regardless. The 1 Point Slam targets everyone else.
Whether this actually moves the needle on Australian Open ratings remains unproven. But the tournament keeps bringing it back, which tells you the data supports it.