Mandopop icon Jay Chou made a splash at the Australian Open on January 14, 2026, participating as a guest player in the unique “1-Point Slam” format, where an entire match is determined by a single point. Chou faced off against 24-year-old Australian amateur champion Petar Jovic, but his appearance was short-lived as Jovic clinched victory with a stunning ace, denying fans the anticipated clash with former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev.
Before the match, Chou lost the serve toss following a playful game of rock–paper–scissors. The superstar, sporting dark sunglasses, entered the court with confidence. However, Jovic swiftly sealed the match with an unbeatable serve that Chou couldn’t return, concluding the event in mere moments.
Despite the abrupt end to his match, Chou exhibited commendable sportsmanship, offering Jovic a thumbs-up, a handshake, and an embrace. In a light-hearted moment before the match, he humorously remarked that the nature of the contest might prevent him from ever hitting the ball: “If I could, I’d choose to serve; at least then I’d get to hit it.”
The event also stirred a bit of controversy regarding Chou’s national representation. He was listed under CHN (China) on the official draw, while fellow Taiwanese competitor Joanna Garland was identified as TPE (Chinese Taipei). This sparked discussions about identity within sports. Interestingly, Chou was later referred to as a “Taiwanese singer, composer and actor” during coverage of the tournament while talking to Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz.
Chou’s appearance not only showcased his multifaceted talents but also highlighted the complexities of national representation in international sports, offering a glimpse into the evolving narrative surrounding identity in the competitive arena.