22 December 2025 | Tennis Victoria

Petar Jovic from the Cranbourne Tennis Club has been crowned Victoria’s 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.

24-year-old Jovic claimed victory over Riley Fegan from Sydenham Tennis Club.

“There were 108 entries so that’s at least 108 clubs that have hosted a 1 Point Slam. I think there was around 2,500 entries over the course of the series too. To be the last one standing in the State is an unbelievable feeling,” Jovic said.

Petar has been playing tennis since he was six years old. He competes on the Futures Tour and has had the chance to act as a hitting partner at the Australian Open.

As one of eight State/Territory Champions, Jovic will receive three nights’ accommodation, and the ultimate AO Player experience.

Jovic has also won Cranbourne Tennis Club a $5000 tennis grant and will play for $50,000 for the club in the main draw on 14 January.

“Winning a community grant for Cranbourne Tennis Club means a lot for me. That’s a club I used to play a lot of junior competitions at, especially finals and everything. So a lot of memorable days there. Wishing them all the best and I’m glad I could help out in any way and return a favour,” he said.

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.”

“Victoria has truly thrown itself into the 1 Point Slam, with more than 110 community events taking place across the state, culminating this weekend at the State Finals. It’s a brilliant way to connect the community with the AO. With everything decided by a single point, the energy was high – players knew there was a lot on the line, not just for themselves, but for the clubs, schools and associations they were representing. Congratulations to our Victorian champion; we’ll be cheering you on in January,” Tennis Victoria, Chief Executive Officer Kim Kachel said.

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 open 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.

Tickets for the AO 1 Point Slam are on-sale now via Ticketmaster.