• Jay Chou will make his Australian Open debut in the celebrity-focused 1 Point Slam.
• The one-point format decides matches in a single, high-stakes rally with rock-paper-scissors to choose server.
• Chou promised to donate the AUD$1 million prize if he wins and shared the news on his Instagram story.
• The 48-player event mixes top pros and celebrities, including world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz and Naomi Osaka.
Jay Chou makes Australian Open debut at the 1 Point Slam
Mandopop superstar Jay Chou is set to compete at the Australian Open for the first time — not in the main draw, but in the tournament’s star-studded warm-up event, the 1 Point Slam. Tennis Australia announced Chou’s participation on its official Instagram, welcoming the 46-year-old singer-actor to the field.
What is the 1 Point Slam?
Launched in 2025, the 1 Point Slam is a fast-paced exhibition held during the Australian Open’s Opening Week. The event uses a 48-player “flash” draw that pairs 24 professionals with celebrities and amateur qualifiers. Each match is decided by a single point — players even use rock-paper-scissors to determine who serves that deciding rally. The format is built for unpredictability and entertainment.
Chou’s Instagram announcement and charity pledge
Chou shared the Australian Open’s post on his Instagram story and told fans he would donate the entire AUD$1 million (about US$670,970) prize if he wins the event. “Remember to watch the Australian Open on Jan. 14. It’s just a one-point game, so I may get knocked out without even touching the ball,” he wrote, joking that he’d prefer to serve so “at least I can touch the ball.”
Embedded post: Australian Open Instagram announcement (see @australianopen on Instagram)
Embedded post: Jay Chou Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jaychou)
Celebrity rivals and pro heavyweights in the draw
The 2026 edition ups the stakes with a much larger prize pool and a field that includes top professionals and well-known celebrities. World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, defending champion Jannik Sinner and Naomi Osaka are among the pros expected to play. Omar Jasika, who won the inaugural event in 2025, is also a returning competitor.
Chou took up tennis in recent years to support his son’s interest in the sport and has been training with friends and peers. Retired NBA player Jeremy Lin — a close friend — joked on social media that Chou should thank him for providing tough practice.
Why this matters
The 1 Point Slam blends sport and spectacle, giving fans a lighter, celebrity-driven spotlight during Grand Slam week while offering pros a chance to connect with new audiences. For Chou, the appearance highlights his cross-over appeal: from filling concert arenas to stepping onto a tennis court in front of an international crowd.
Whether he advances will come down to a single, dramatic point — and if he beats the field, Chou says all winnings will go to charity. Either way, his participation guarantees a surge of attention for both the event and the Australian Open’s Opening Week festival.
Image Referance: https://focustaiwan.tw/sports/202601120025