MELBOURNE: The Australian Open has decided to increase its prize money offerings to an historic high of AUD 62.5 million ($44 million), up 14 percent since last year.
The development comes after the organisers of the first Grand Slam of the tennis calendar had announced AUD 60 million ($42.8 million) as prize money for the 2019 edition back in October 2018.
The winners of the men’s and women’s singles competitions are set to earn AUD 4.1 million ($2.88 million) each while the finalists will pocket AUD 2.05 million ($1.44 million). On the other hand, the men’s and women’s doubles winners will gain AUD 750,000 ($528,000) while mixed doubles winners will take home AUD 185,000 ($130,000).
The Australian Open prize money has increased by more than 351 percent or AUD 48.6m ($32 million) in the 20 years since 2001, when it was AUD 13.9 million ($7.1 million).
With respect to other Grand Slams, the Australian Open’s prize money value has now surpassed that of Wimbledon’s, which stood at 34 million pounds ($43.35 million) in 2018. However, the US Open ($53 million) and French Open ($44.75 million) continue to be lead the pack.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said the increase was just one way the organisers continued to invest in the playing group and create a sustainable career path for the next tier of players.
“We make no secret of our commitment to looking after the players as well as we possibly can, and ensuring they have a great experience at the Australian Open,” Tiley said.
“The players are the stars of the show. They bring in the crowds and fill the stadiums, they inspire the next generation to pick up a racquet, and the rest of us to always keep trying, and push the boundaries of what is possible.
“For all of these things and more, we invest significant resources into looking after the players, including state-of-the-art facilities, the world’s friendliest player services team and appropriate compensation.
“The majority of these increases will be directed towards the players in qualifying, early rounds and doubles. For example players losing first round in the qualifying event – which is pretty much Grand Slam entry level – will take home AUD 15,000 ($10550), double the amount previously awarded, and players losing in the first round of the main draw will earn AUD 75,000 ($52766) in prize money.
“We have a responsibility to improve the conditions for all the players, and ensure tennis offers a viable career path, and this means increasing prize money as well as easing the costs associated with playing the Australian Open,” Tiley signed off.
