Players at this year’s Australian Open will compete for a record amount of prize money after organisers announced a 16% increase in the total prize fund to AU$111.5 million (US$75 million).
The winners of the men’s and women’s singles tournaments will each receive AU$4.15 million (US$2.79 million). This is a 19% rise compared to last year, when champions earned AU$3.5 million.
Players who lose in the first round of the main draw will earn AU$150,000 (US$100,750). Those knocked out in the first round of qualifying will still take home AU$40,500 (US$27,200).
Tournament director Craig Tiley said the increase shows Tennis Australia’s commitment to supporting players at all levels of the sport.
He added that higher prize money in qualifying and improved player benefits are helping to make professional tennis more sustainable, from young players starting out to established Grand Slam champions.
The Australian Open begins at Melbourne Park on January 18, with Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys set to defend their singles titles.
