Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff now confirmed to play exhibition event right before the Australian Open

Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff are among the early names confirmed for the 1 Point Slam at the 2027 Australian Open.

Hosted by the iconic Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, the one-point, winner-takes-all event will take place in Australian Open Opening Week. It offers professionals, community players and wildcards the chance to compete for AU$1million.

Preparations for the 1 Point Slam are now well underway, with ATP star Alcaraz and WTA star Gauff set to be joined by a long list of high-profile names. They are two of the early players confirmed, and they are not alone.

Alongside Alcaraz and Gauff, Jannik Sinner and Naomi Osaka have also been confirmed for the 1 Point Slam at the Australian Open. Their confirmation arrives at an interesting time, with Sinner having just ended his 2026 season because of a knee injury. Meanwhile, both Osaka and Gauff have withdrawn from the Wuhan Open. Alcaraz is the only player in action right now as he prepares to take on the Shanghai Masters, having just won the Japan Open.

Many eyes are already turning to the 2027 Australian Open, for which new Tennis Australia CEO Andrew Abdo has just been confirmed as the new tournament director. The former Rugby League CEO has taken over the role from long-serving CEO and tournament director Craig Tiley.

Over the coming months, up to 1000 clubs will run local 1 Point Slam competitions, which will build towards State Championships. Two winners from each state and territory will then make the final event in Melbourne. Last time out, it was amateur Jordan Smith who secured the top prize, defeating Sinner en route to a memorable victory.

The Australian Open main draw returns from 17-31 January, with Opening Week taking place from 11-16. Alcaraz will be out to defend his title after beating Novak Djokovic in last year’s men’s final, while Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s final. It is the first Grand Slam of the 2027 season, and will be followed by the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.

This article first appeared on The Tennis Gazette and was syndicated with permission.