‘Hoped An Amateur Won At The Start’! Coco Gauff Heaps Paise One ‘Cold’ Jordan Smith After AO 1 Point Grand Slam Title

Last Updated:January 14, 2026, 20:37 IST

Smith beat Joanna Garland in the final of the event at the Rod Laver Arena to get his hands on the AO 1 Point Slam crown and the million-dollar prize.

Jordan Smith. (X)

Coco Gauff lauded the efforts of Australian amateur Jordan Smith following his triumph at the inaugural edition of the AO 1 Point Slam on Wednesday.

Smith beat Joanna Garland in the final of the event at the Rod Laver Arena to get his hands on the AO 1 Point Slam crown and the million-dollar prize.

“great event! lol I said when it started I hoped an amateur won !! Congrats Jordan soooo cold,” the American said.

Smith triumphed over World No. 2 Jannik Sinner, delivering the Italian his first loss at Rod Laver since 2023, during the AO 1 Point Slam event, where professionals are limited to a single serve. Sinner hit his serve into the net.

Garland, who advanced to the final of the inaugural event, defeated Kyrgios and German Alexander Zverev on his way to the summit clash against Aussie amateur player Jordan Smith. Smith emerged as the first-ever champion of the event prior to the Australian Open on Wednesday, earning a million dollars.

The first-time event included 16 amateur players, eight wildcard entries, and 24 professionals including Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff.

At the AO 1 Point Slam, amateurs compete against professionals in a single-point match, with the winner advancing. The receiver of the serve is determined by a round of Rock-Paper-Scissors, and professionals get a single serve while amateurs receive two.

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