Mandarin pop star Jay Chou to take on top tennis pros at Australian Open ‘Slam’ event
The singer, who has committed to donating all his winnings to charity, admits he is nervous about losing quickly or failing to touch the ball
Mandarin pop king Jay Chou will compete for an A$1 million (US$670,000) prize in the One Point Slam at the Australian Open, playing against top professionals such as world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff and Jannik Sinner.
Chou announced on Monday that he would play in the event on Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday with a wild card.
The One Point Slam, first held at last year’s Australian Open, pits 12 male and 12 female professional players against 24 amateurs – including wild cards, eight Australian state champions and qualifiers – in a single-point knockout decided by rock-paper-scissors for serve.
The organisers welcomed Chou on social media, writing: “From being the King of Mandarin Pop filling stadiums with his music to being ‘Kato’ from The Green Hornet and now shifting focus to being a dedicated tennis player – welcome Jay Chou to the 1 Point Slam and the Australian Open.”
Chou committed to donating all his winnings to charity, but admitted he was nervous about losing within a minute or even failing to touch the ball.
“If I can choose, I would like to serve, so at least I get to hit,” he wrote. “It might be over before I even make contact.”