Ashwin Vijayaragavan from Tea Tree Gully Tennis Club has been crowned the SA State Champion earning himself direct entry into the main draw of the AO 1 Point Slam at Melbourne Park and a chance to take home $1 million in prize money and a Kia EV3.
37-year-old Vijayaragavan claimed victory over Jacquyn Colalancia representing Henley South Tennis Club.
A former Indian Davis Cup player, Vijayaragavan is excited to hit Rod Laver Arena next month.
“It’s pretty exciting. I was pretty nervous when I got here because it’s a new format for everyone, but I am happy I got through it,” Vijayaragavan said.
“I’ve always wanted to play at the Australian Open in some way. This is an opportunity to be around the pros, and I am looking forward to having a hit with them.”
As one of eight State/Territory Champions, Vijayaragavan will receive return airfares to Melbourne, three nights’ accommodation, and the ultimate AO Player experience.
Vijayaragavan has also won Tea Tree Gully Tennis Club a $5000 tennis grant and will play for $50,000 for the club in the main draw on 14 January.
Marriott Bonvoy, the Official Hotel Partner of the AO 1 Point Slam Driven by Kia, is giving the State Champions an unforgettable AO experience, with accommodation at Westin Melbourne and one hundred thousand Marriott Bonvoy points each, which can be redeemed for flights, accommodation, dining and car rentals across the world.
New Balance, the Official Performance Apparel and Footwear Partner, will kit out amateur competitors in the brand-new AO x New Balance range, ensuring they take the court dressed like the pros.
The State Championships capped off more than 200 community events held nationwide, where more than 4000 entrants 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 48 players, pros, amateurs and celebrity wildcards 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, Nick Kyrgios, Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek are all confirmed to compete.
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.”
Debbie Sterrey, Tennis SA CEO said the AO 1 Point Slam is an amazing opportunity for our local tennis talent to have the chance to hit the court at the Australian Open as well as win $1M.
“Congratulations to everyone who has participated in the AO 1 Point Slam State Championship at Peake Gardens Riverside Tennis Club. The AO 1 Point Slam is an exciting chance to have the win of your tennis career, no matter what level you play.
“I am pleased that the lucky losers from the AO 1 Point Slam State Championship have been invited to play again for another chance to progress in the competition at the Adelaide International AO 1 Point Slam competition on Saturday 10 January 2026. We want to draw a crowd to cheer them on at The Drive as well as it being day one of Qualifiers for the tournament.
“Initiatives like the AO 1 Point Slam and events like the Adelaide International are critical to the growth of tennis across South Australia. It inspires young players, increases participation, and brings our community closer to the global game.”
Community players have another chance to play their way to the main draw on Rod Laver Arena, with qualifying taking place at Melbourne Park during Opening Week presented by Herald Sun. Qualifying entries this week.
How it works
AO 1 Point Slam Community Events
• Local events took place around Australia between Friday 7 November to Thursday 18 December 2025.
• Winners from each event qualified for their respective State Championship.
• The eight State Champions progress directly into the AO 1 Point Slam Main Draw at Melbourne Park.
AO 1 Point Slam Main Draw
The 48-player draw on Rod Laver Arena includes:
• 24 professional players
• 8 State 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 Championships
ACT
Canberra Tennis Centre
3 Riggall Pl
Lyneham ACT 2602
Saturday 20 December
WINNER: Ashleigh Simes
NT
Darwin International Tennis Centre
Level 1/9 Abala Rd
Marrara NT 0812
Friday 5 December
WINNER: Thomas Van Haaren
SA
Peake Gardens Riverside Tennis Club
6/24 Bice St
Marleston SA 5033
Saturday 20 December
WINNER: Ashwin Vijayaragavan
Vic
Fawkner Park Tennis Centre
65 Toorak Rd West
South Yarra VIC 3141
Saturday 20 December
WINNER: Petar Jovic
NSW
2025 Kia North Shore Open
Northern Suburbs Tennis Association
18 Talus Street
Naremburn NSW 2065
Sunday 21 December
WINNER: Jordan Smith
Qld
University of Queensland Tennis Club
Blair Dr
St Lucia QLD 4067
Saturday 20 December
WINNER: Alec Reverente
Tas
Campbell Town Tennis Club
57 High St
Campbell Town TAS 7210
Saturday 20 December
WINNER: Kyle Mackin
WA
Next Gen Tennis Centre
21 Kings Park Rd
Kings Park WA 6005
Saturday 20 December
WINNER: Steve Yarwood
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