Analysis by BBC Sport tennis news reporter Jonathan Jurejko
At the start of the night, Coco Gauff admitted she didn’t want to win the One Point Slam.
Instead, the two-time major singles champion wanted an amateur to take home the money. They would be more deserving of a sum which would change their life, she reasoned.
Smith, a reserved character who was genuinely lost for words as he was interviewed on court after each win, ended up being the beneficiary. A different future awaits. One as a new homeowner at the very least.
Remarkably, it was Smith who possessed the calmest demeanour in the place. He was unruffled by standing across the net from Sinner. He was unflustered by the sight of a box-full of replica cash sitting courtside. He was unperturbed as he traded with Garland from the baseline knowing the vast sum at stake.
The innovative event turned out to be masterstroke by Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley.
Superstar players brought gravitas and the possibility of anybody beating anybody added some jeopardy. A virtually full arena boosted income and the event proved popular with fans online.
Tiley insisted the boom-or-bust concept was a leveller between Grand Slams and grassroots.
The unknown underdog ensured it was the roaring success which both dreamed of.
