Photo Credit by Duane Preston
Congratulations to Alice Springs Tennis Association’s representative, Thomas Van Haaren, for winning the championship against Gove Peninsula Tennis Club rep, Levi Mclean. Both players travelled the furthest to get to the Darwin International Tennis Centre for the finals, and we’re so happy they had the opportunity!
It was a great finish by Thomas, with a solid serve and an elegant backhand volley to take the title.
By winning the championship, Thomas not only wins a $5k tennis grant for Alice Springs Tennis Association, but also a once in a lifetime player experience, with his chance to share the court with some of the game’s greatest players and an opportunity to win $1 MILLION or a Kia EV3!
Thomas is 22 years old, who grew up in Alice Springs and went to Nebraska for college tennis in 2023. He came back to Alice Springs in 2024, adapting from Synthetic Grass to Hard Court to win point-by-point, his opportunity to play at Melbourne Park.
As the FIRST of eight State/Territory Champions, Thomas Van Haaren will receive return airfares to Melbourne, two nights’ accommodation, and the ultimate AO Player experience – their chance to compete against ALCARAZ!
“Super grateful for the opportunity and to share the court with the best in the world” – Thomas Van Haaren
See the photos and videos from tonight on our Facebook Album HERE
The NT Championship capped off more than 200 community events held nationwide, where players battled for a coveted spot in the Main Draw.
The 1 Point Slam Driven by Kia is a fast-paced, high-stakes showdown that will see a draw of 48 pro players, amateurs and celebrity wildcards to battle it out for $1 million in prize money in a one-point knockout format on Wednesday 14 January under the lights of Rod Laver Arena.
World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz is already confirmed, with more top names to be announced soon!
Kia is raising the stakes even further, donating a brand-new EV3 to the last amateur standing in the 1 Point Slam main draw.
“The AO 1 Point Slam is tennis at its most exciting – one point, one shot at glory. It’s fast, unfiltered and open to everyone,” Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said.
“This event is the ultimate grassroots-to-Grand Slam experience. It’s exciting to see our eight State Champions being crowned across the country who will have a shot to live out their Grand Slam dream on the biggest stage this January.”
“We’ve had a ball hosting the 1 Point Slam events and watching the NT tennis community embrace the format. It’s high stakes drama with every decision and so much fun seeing students face-off against coaches, parents against kids, and tonight – club versus club. Our NT winner gets the experience of a lifetime representing their club and the NT on Rod Laver Arena in January. We are so excited.” – Tania Tandora, Tennis NT CEO
How it works
AO 1 Point Slam Community Events
Local events will take place nationwide until Thursday 18 December 2025.
Winners from each event qualify for their respective State/Territory Championship.
The eight State/Territory Champions will progress directly into the AO 1 Point Slam Main Draw at Melbourne Park.
Players can find and enter events at tennis.com.au/one-point-slam
AO 1 Point Slam Main Draw
The 48-player draw on Rod Laver Arena includes:
- 24 professional players
- 8 State/Territory Champions
- 8 Qualifiers
- 8 Wildcards
The winner takes all – $1 million in prize money, with the winning player’s club or school receiving a $50,000 tennis grant.
AO 1 Point Slam State/Territory Championships
ACT
Canberra Tennis Centre
3 Riggall Pl
Lyneham ACT 2602
Saturday 20 December
SA
Peake Gardens Riverside Tennis Club
6/24 Bice St, Marleston SA 5033
Saturday 20 December
Vic
Fawkner Park Tennis Centre
65 Toorak Rd West
South Yarra VIC 3141
Saturday 20 December
NSW
2025 Kia North Shore Open
Northern Suburbs Tennis Association
18 Talus Street
Naremburn NSW 2065
Sunday 21 December
Qld
University of Queensland Tennis Club
Blair Dr
St Lucia QLD 4067
Saturday 20 December
Tas
Campbell Town Tennis Club
57 High St
Campbell Town TAS 7210
Saturday 20 December
WA
Next Gen Tennis Centre
21 Kings Park Rd
Kings Park WA 6005
Saturday 20 December
Good Luck Thomas! The NT will be cheering you on the big screen in January!
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