Amateur tennis player beats Jannik Sinner en route to $1million prize at Australian Open

Jannik Sinner missed out on a shot at a whopping $1million prize after being beaten by amateur player Jordan Smith.

And Smith went on to remarkably win the Million Dollar One Point Slam at the Australian Open, claiming the huge amount of cash.

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The unique competition handed 16 amateur players the chance to come up against 24 of the top tennis stars in the world.

Each match lasted just one point and whoever won it would progress through to the next round of the event.

For Smith, he ended up having to face four-time Grand Slam winner Sinner on his road to success in Melbourne.

And he managed to overcome the World No.2 to pull off a shock, doing so without even hitting the ball.

Sinner double-faulted his serve and wasted his one opportunity to even start the game, handing Smith the win.

The New South Wales state champion went on to also defeat women’s World No.4 Amanda Anisimova.

He knocked out 71-seed Pedro Martinez too, to book his place in the final against female World No.1117 Joanna Garland.

Garland had amazingly beaten men’s World No.3 Alexander Zverev and Nick Kyrgios to reach the all-or-nothing clash.

But it was Smith who came out on top, with Carlos Alcaraz among those watching on from the sidelines.

After Garland hit a shot out, Smith threw his hands on his head in shock and celebrated with a beaming smile.

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What did Smith say after winning the event?

Speaking on court instantly after winning $1million, Smith said: “I can’t even speak, it’s unbelievable.

“I’ll invest or buy a house with my girlfriend [with the money].”

He later went on to add: “Coming into tonight, I would have been happy winning just one point.

“I was so nervous but enjoyed being out here, it was a great experience.”

His incredible achievement came after beating Sinner, with the Italian saying after their match: “I kind of called it, so that happens!

“I’m happy you guys have one more Australian still here. Thanks for having me, and enjoy the night.”

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What is the Million Dollar One Point Slam?

The One Point Slam made its debut at the Australian Open last year, but without the huge $1million prize.

But this year, it moved up a level, inviting the world’s best stars and offering a monster amount of money for the winner.

48 players took part altogether, including Alcaraz, Sinner, Zverev, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek and more star names.

Eight of the amateurs taking part were winners of state championship rounds in Australia, with another eight of them qualifying from within Melbourne.

Eight wildcards, including invited people and celebrities, also took part in the very unique event.