Australian Open announces prize money increase

Australian Open organisers say the tournament will increase its prize money by $3 million next year to bring overall player compensation to $31 million.

Australian Open organisers say the tournament will increase its prize money by $3 million next year to bring overall player compensation to $31 million.

In keeping with player demands to see a larger slice of Grand Slam revenues, all four of the sport's most prestigious tennis tournaments have greatly increased their prize money in the past two years.

Wimbledon now offers about $36.5 million, while the US Open increased its purse to $34.3 million and the French Open went up to $29.7 million.

Australian Open organisers did not break down the prize money awarded per round at their launch Wednesday for the January 13-26 tournament, but men and women will receive equal amounts as in previous years.

Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka are the defending champions at Melbourne Park.