Jay Chou officially announces participation in the Australian Open one-point shootout match, while Alcaraz sparks buzz training in LeBron James jersey

Today, both the Australian Open organizers and Jay Chou himself announced simultaneously that this iconic figure in the Mandarin music scene will compete as a player in the "One-Point Shootout Challenge" held on the evening of January 14 local time.

The Australian Open introduced with a ceremonious statement: "At this moment, stepping onto the court is a superstar of Mandarin pop music, whose every appearance ignites the crowd. Now, he takes on a new role — a focused tennis player competing in the one-point shootout arena."

Notably, this event features a highly innovative format: 32 players (22 professionals and 10 amateurs) compete in a single-elimination bracket, with each match decided by just one point, and the serve determined by rock-paper-scissors.

The winner’s prize reaches 1 million Australian dollars (approximately 4.71 million RMB). Jay Chou has pledged to donate the entire prize if he wins. As a well-known tennis enthusiast, he often attends matches with his family and shares updates about playing the sport.

By introducing the "one-point shootout" format and attracting celebrities from other fields, the 2026 Australian Open demonstrates a proactive transformation in traditional sports events facing the new media landscape. This "light competition, heavy entertainment" approach aims to break tennis’s conventional audience boundaries and draw a broader fan base, with Jay Chou’s involvement sure to captivate many Mandarin-speaking fans.

Online reactions to Jay Chou’s participation are full of humor. One user commented, "Although this event is mostly for fun, Jay, remember tennis isn’t just a game, it’s an art. We just need you to look cool; the results don’t really matter!" Another said, "Well, he might win in music, but tennis skills? Hmm..." Some joked, "Wow! I can already imagine Jay humming ‘Nunchucks’ while playing on court."

On the same day as Jay Chou’s announcement, men’s world No.1 Alcaraz sparked another crossover buzz by training at the Australian Open wearing LeBron James’s purple #23 Lakers jersey. The official Australian Open social media also shared this photo.

After training, he continued to wear the jersey while signing autographs for fans, showing his admiration for LeBron James. Alcaraz explained that this outfit choice was a tribute to another sports legend and intended to add a relaxed vibe during intense pre-match preparations.

Upon arriving in Melbourne, Alcaraz quickly engaged in intense training sessions, including multiple practice matches with Canadian player Auger-Aliassime. The image of him training in the James jersey not only reflects his personal interests but may also serve as a psychological reminder — learning from another enduring sports icon how to maintain excellence under pressure.

Regarding Alcaraz wearing the James jersey, netizens commented, "The world No.1’s idol is the world No.1 — no doubt about that!" Others joked, "All the pressure is on Alcaraz now; wearing James’s jersey means he needs James’s clutch skills. Still, this tennis-basketball crossover is a marketing win for the Australian Open."

One story is about crossover and dedication, the other about legacy and breakthrough. When the spirit of entertainment and sports converge on the Australian Open courts, Melbourne Park in 2026 is destined to leave a uniquely memorable impression.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)