Earlier this week, fans were ecstatic to learn that Mandopop icon Jay Chou (周杰倫) would play at the Australian Open’s 1 Point Slam competition, taking on professional tennis players. Unfortunately, the singer’s dream of winning came to an end after an unreturnable ace.
On 14th January 2026 (Wednesday), Jay Chou made an appearance at the Australian Open as one of the participants for the 1 Point Slam competition. The match randomly pairs amateurs, celebrities, and professional players in a one-point-only game, with the winner taking home the AUD$1 million (approximately RM2.74 million) prize money.
The match marks Jay Chou’s professional match debut after years of showing off his tennis skills through social media. Unfortunately, the singer’s skills are no match for his opponent, Australian amateur champion Petar Jovic. The 24-year-old previously won the Victorian State Final of the AO 1 Point Slam after beating seven opponents in a row.
In his match against the singer, Petar landed a clean ace that Jay Chou couldn’t touch, immediately granting him the win. The two opponents then showed fine sportsmanship with a handshake and a hug. Afterwards, Jay gave a bit of fan service, throwing the sunglasses he wore on court into the crowd of fans.
Despite the immediate loss, Jay Chou remains in good spirits. In his Instagram Stories after the event, he quipped, “I was so sure that I wouldn’t get to touch the ball. All I could do was give out autographs at the sideline.” In another post, the singer joked that he also practised his rock-paper-scissors skills before the match so he could win the chance to serve.
If you’re wondering, amateur player Jordan Smith ultimately emerged as the winner of the 1 Point Slam competition after beating pros like Jannik Sinner and Joanna Garland. Meanwhile, fans continue rooting for Jay Chou’s tennis dreams.
Sources: Straits Times, Instagram
