Jay Chou headlined the Australian Open’s groundbreaking new initiative this year: the One-Point Slam.
He was one of many stars to take part in the event, where $1m was at stake for one lucky winner.
The premise was simple and explained in the title. Each match consisted of just one point, with amateurs and professionals going head-to-head, and celebrities like Chou sprinkled in too. Get to the final and win, and you claim the $1m.
In the end, it was amateur Jordan Smith who won the grand prize, beating the likes of Amanda Anisimova and Jannik Sinner on his way to the title.
Roger Federer and Jay Chou’s conversation at the Australian Open
Roger Federer did not take part in this event, but was clearly enjoying it from afar.
And, when he bumped into one of the celebrities within one of the Australian Open stadiums, he couldn’t help but poke fun at Jay Chou.
After all, the Taiwanese superstar was left rooted by the serve of his opponent, coming nowhere near to returning.
Federer, upon meeting him, immediately stated: “I saw. Ace! I saw it, I saw the ace. I was like, where’s the reaction?”
Chou laughed back: “I didn’t even touch the ball.”
The Swiss superstar, who knows a thing or two about winning important points, sympathised with him: “No, but I think you were ready for the backhand.”
“Maybe next year,” Chou claimed, as they took a selfie together. They both then agreed to link up in the future, needing just two words to cement their plans: “Doubles partner.”
Did Roger Federer enjoy the One-Point Slam?
Speaking to the Australian Open press earlier today, Federer was asked again about the One-Point Slam.
He admitted: “I didn’t see it live unfortunately because I was at dinner and everything. I actually watched highlights.
“I came back and some people asked me, Did you see it? I was like, No, I haven’t seen it yet.”
However, he was not to be left out, and revealed: “I went on YouTube, started checking everything out. Took about half an hour to look at all the highlights, who double-faulted…
“Anyway, it was hilarious. I played the one-point tournaments myself at charity events and also exhibitions or weddings of friends and stuff like that we’ve done it.
“I’ve lost some obviously. I like how everybody gets incredibly tight. It was good to see everybody feeling that way as well yesterday.”
The One-Point Slam has been massively well-received, with Taylor Fritz even admitting he wishes he’d taken part.