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Everyday tennis enthusiasts are being offered an opportunity to win a seven-figure prize when they take on world-class athletes - headed by world number one the Spanish champion - in a single-point showdown prior to the Australian Grand Slam

Organizers of the Melbourne major have announced the Seven-Figure Quick-Fire Competition, which will match everyday competitors against 22 professionals in a single-elimination format at the tournament grounds

This Innovative Tournament Functions

Participants must play 'the classic hand game' to determine who gets to serve or return, and the player who wins the point will move forward to the subsequent phase

The winner of the event will take home a significant cash prize

Contextually, players who reached the penultimate round of the main draw competitions in the last edition won substantial prize money

Earlier Comparable Tournaments

The American Grand Slam hosted a revamped, independent mixed doubles tournament in the eighth month which motivated top singles players to compete, with the champions receiving $1m

The Australian Open held its inaugural quick-fire event earlier this year, but the cash prize was A$60,000 and it had limited exposure

One top competitor was the only top-10 player competing, and his run came to an end when he put the sole serving chance granted into the mesh in his quarter-final

Event Specifics

Organizers have not specified precisely how the event will operate, but it is anticipated to emulate a similar format to this year's edition

The professionals will be granted to have a single serve and the amateurs on two occasions - as is the norm in traditional tennis

While it is not certain how the bracket will work, there will be multiple elimination stages and the location will be the primary court rather than the secondary venue

The concluding rounds will be held in a night session instead of midday timing

Entry Details

Local players - or overseas competitors who have registered with the national federation - can enter 'quick-match event' tournaments at their local tennis clubs

The champions of the grassroots tournaments will then go into a selection process, with one amateur player from every region and area chosen to take part in the 'grand finale' in a night session on Wednesday, 14 January

There will also be a preliminary competition in the final month which amateurs, lower ranked pros, celebrities and sport stars can compete in

It begins on the starting date and the successful competitors will advance to the following day's 'grand finale' with the other eight amateurs and top-ranked athletes

"Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the overall victor will receive the prize. Entries will open soon at venues throughout the nation"

Tournament officials stated there were "additional stars to be revealed shortly", while the tournament site indicated "well-known figures" would be involved