“Everybody’s human!” emcee Rennae Stubbs declared after Coco Gauff faulted to lose in the Australian Open’s “1 Point Slam” Wednesday evening.
The Happy Slam’s exhibition ahead of the main event was a big hit inside Rod Laver Arena. Bringing the world’s best professionals together with Australian amateurs and celebrities, one million Australian dollars was ultimately handed out to the winner.
And none of the world’s most recognizable tennis faces emerged victorious.
Gauff was joined by the likes of two-time reigning men’s champion Jannik Sinner and Frances Tiafoe in not managing to put their serves in the box. Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Alexander Zverev, Amanda Anisimova, Elena Rybakina and Nick Kyrgios were also among the stars eliminated from contention, with the ATP’s world No. 1 falling to Maria Sakkari after undercutting a drop shot.
Amateur Jordan Smith of the Castle Hill Tennis Club in New South Wales ultimately won it all, defeating Joanna Garland—who had dropped her women’s singles qualifying opener Monday—to take home the big pay day.
“I can’t speak. It’s unbelievable,” reacted Smith.
Chinese Taipei’s Garland may have earned a few new fans herself after eliminating Zverev, Kyrgios, Sakkari and Donna Vekic en route to the final of the second-year event.
Here are some of our favorite photos from the fun-filled festivity!