Taiwanese singer Jay Chou is set to participate in the Australian Open’s exciting 1 Point Slam competition. This announcement was officially made by the tournament’s organizers via their Instagram account, where they welcomed Chou to this star-studded event. Chou, who celebrates his 47th birthday on Sunday, is transitioning from his acclaimed music career to tennis.
1 Point Slam Competition Details
The 1 Point Slam is part of the Australian Open’s entertainment offerings during the opening week. First launched by Tennis Australia last year, this unique competition features a “flash” draw format with 48 participants. This year, it includes 24 professional players alongside celebrities and amateur qualifiers.
- Notable participants in this year’s competition include:
- Carlos Alcaraz – Current World No. 1
- Jannik Sinner – Defending Champion
- Naomi Osaka – Renowned tennis star
- The inaugural edition was won by Omar Jasika, who received A$60,000.
Jay Chou’s Commitment to Charity
In a personal announcement, Chou expressed his ambition to compete seriously. He declared that he would donate any winnings from the A$1 million (US$671,200) prize to charity if he secured a victory. He humorously remarked on social media about the nature of the competition, stating, “It’s just a one-point game, so I may get knocked out without even touching the ball.”
Friendly Rivalry and Training
Chou’s participation has sparked excitement among his supporters and celebrity friends. Former basketball player Jeremy Lin commented on Chou’s announcement, jesting that Chou should thank him for being a strong opponent during training sessions. Chou has been honing his tennis skills primarily to support his son’s interest in the sport.
Event Timeline
The Australian Open 2024 is set to kick off with the 1 Point Slam scheduled for January 14. Fans are eagerly anticipating this unique blend of celebrity entertainment and competitive spirit.
