Quick Read
- Amateur player Jordan Smith won the Million Dollar One Point Slam at the 2026 Australian Open, claiming a $1 million prize.
- Smith defeated top players including Jannik Sinner (World No. 2) and Amanda Anisimova (World No. 4) on his path to victory.
- US fast-food chain Shake Shack debuted at the Australian Open, drawing criticism for high prices (burgers $18.90-$25, fries $9.75-$12.50).
- Fans compared Shake Shack’s prices to international airports and other countries, calling them a ‘rip off’.
- Australian Open organizers defended the prices, citing additional costs for operating a temporary pop-up, including higher labor and construction expenses.
The 2026 Australian Open in Melbourne was a tournament of stark contrasts, serving up both an unprecedented amateur triumph that captured global attention and a simmering controversy over concession prices that left many fans feeling short-changed. While an unknown amateur tennis player defied all odds to claim a staggering $1 million prize in a unique, high-stakes competition, off the court, a different kind of drama unfolded as the debut of a popular US fast-food chain, Shake Shack, ignited widespread frustration over its exorbitant menu.
Amateur Dream Realized: Jordan Smith’s Million-Dollar Moment
In a story that sounds more like a Hollywood script than a real-life sporting event, amateur player Jordan Smith etched his name into Australian Open history by winning the Million Dollar One Point Slam. This innovative competition, making its second appearance but with the added incentive of a seven-figure prize, pitted 16 amateur players against 24 of the world’s top tennis stars in a series of single-point matches. The premise was simple: win the point, advance to the next round. Lose, and your dream ends.
Smith’s journey to the grand prize was nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from New South Wales, the state champion faced a daunting gauntlet of elite talent. His path to glory included a shocking victory over four-time Grand Slam winner and World No. 2, Jannik Sinner. In a moment that will surely be replayed for years, Smith clinched the point without even touching the ball, as Sinner double-faulted his serve, handing the amateur an unexpected win. Speaking after the match, Sinner good-naturedly remarked, “I kind of called it, so that happens! I’m happy you guys have one more Australian still here.”
The upsets continued for Smith. He went on to defeat women’s World No. 4 Amanda Anisimova and 71-seed Pedro Martinez, securing his place in the final. There, he faced Joanna Garland, the women’s World No. 117, who had her own incredible run, having knocked out men’s World No. 3 Alexander Zverev and the fiery Nick Kyrgios. In the all-or-nothing final clash, with tennis luminaries like Carlos Alcaraz watching from the sidelines, Smith emerged victorious after Garland hit a shot out. His reaction – throwing his hands on his head in disbelief, followed by a beaming smile – perfectly encapsulated the magnitude of his achievement.
After securing the $1 million prize, a visibly emotional Smith told reporters, “I can’t even speak, it’s unbelievable.” He added that he planned to “invest or buy a house with my girlfriend” with the winnings, a testament to the life-changing nature of the prize. The Million Dollar One Point Slam, which also featured other major stars like Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, clearly resonated with both players and fans, offering a fresh, unpredictable dimension to the traditional Grand Slam format.
The High Cost of Convenience: Shake Shack’s Debut Sparks Outrage
While Smith was celebrating his unprecedented windfall, many fans at Melbourne Park were grappling with a different kind of number: the eye-watering prices for food and drinks. The debut of popular US burger chain Shake Shack at the Australian Open quickly became a focal point of frustration, drawing widespread criticism across social media platforms like TikTok.
Shake Shack, which started as a hot dog cart in New York in 2001, offered its signature burgers at prices ranging from $18.90 to an astonishing $25 AUD. Fries were priced between $9.75 and $12.50, while milkshakes cost up to $13.90, and even a simple bottle of water set fans back $5.95. For a full meal of a burger, fries, and a shake, a spectator could easily spend over $50, prompting many to call the prices an outright “rip off.”
Fans quickly took to social media to vent their frustration. One person on TikTok sarcastically suggested, “Just go to Singapore Airport and get it,” implying prices were comparable to, or even higher than, international airport rates. Others echoed this sentiment, with one user noting, “I went to Shake Shack in the Philippines and the prices are like a third of this.” Another claimed to have paid significantly less in Dubai and Istanbul airports. The outcry highlighted a long-standing grievance among Australian Open attendees, who last year reportedly expressed anger at being charged $15.80 for fries with oregano and feta, and $13.00 for a 375ml cider.
In response to the mounting criticism, the Australian Open issued a statement defending the pricing. A spokesperson told news.com.au, “We work closely with our food and beverage partners to keep prices at the AO as close to what fans would find in their permanent restaurants and stores as possible.” The statement attributed the higher costs to the nature of a temporary pop-up operation, citing “additional costs that do not apply to permanent restaurants,” including “higher local costs of goods and labour and the construction of a fully functioning temporary kitchen to meet Australian standards.”
Despite the general discontent, some, like food influencer @dub.eats.everything, found the Shake Shack experience worthwhile, praising the taste and evoking a nostalgic feeling of being in New York’s Madison Square Park. However, such positive reviews were largely overshadowed by the widespread sentiment that the prices were simply too high, especially for an event that attracts a broad demographic of sports enthusiasts.
The Dual Realities of a Grand Slam Event
The 2026 Australian Open thus presented a fascinating dichotomy. On one hand, it delivered a feel-good narrative of an amateur achieving a life-changing dream, showcasing the unpredictable magic of sport. The Million Dollar One Point Slam represented a bold, successful experiment in engaging audiences and offering unique opportunities. On the other hand, the financial realities of attending such a premier event were brought sharply into focus by the Shake Shack controversy, reminding organizers that the fan experience extends beyond the court to every aspect of their visit. The tension between the spectacle on the court and the cost of participation for the average fan remains a persistent challenge for major sporting events globally.
The juxtaposition of an amateur winning a million dollars and everyday fans facing exorbitant food prices at the same event underscores a growing divide in the economics of major sports tournaments. While innovative formats like the One Point Slam democratize participation and create thrilling narratives, the rising cost of basic amenities risks alienating a significant portion of the fanbase, potentially diminishing the overall accessibility and enjoyment of these grand spectacles.