Photo:  Cordell (left) receives a "good luck" prize from Sale Tennis Club President Robin Lowe. 

Sale Tennis Club player and coach Cordell Vollemaere has kept the dream of winning $1 million alive by winning the Sale Tennis Club AO 1 Point Slam on Sunday. 

The Sale 1 Point Slam attracted 24 hopeful players all vying to make the state playoffs. 

On a day where the persistent "on again off again" rain made the organisers scheduling a nightmare, Cordell was able to hold his focus in each of his 1 point "tie breaks" to progress through the draw.  On the opposite side of the draw 12-year-old local Lawrence Zhang was also progressing steadily.   

In the final Cordell won the toss and elected to receive. With a large crowd watching on, Lawrence served a first up fault before landing his second serve and a tense rally commenced. With the crowd holding its collective breath the rally continued until Cordell was able to find an opening and played a forehand winner to take the required 1 point.

Cordell will now play in the State 1 point tournament playoff at Melbourne Park on December 20 for a chance to be one of the 24 amateurs and wildcards from across Australia competing against 24 professional players at Rod Laver Arena, all vying to become the champion and take home $1 million in prize money. 

The winner of the State Championship will receive a $5,000 grant for their nominated club so the whole of Sale will be cheering Cordell on.  In addition each Club that hosts an AO 1 Point Slam also now enters the draw for a chance to be represented by a player in the 1 Point Slam main draw on 14 January, 2026.  The Club represented by the eventual champion – pro, amateur, or wildcard – will win the $50,000 grant.