Melbourne. Organizers of the Australian Open tennis tournament on Tuesday announced the largest prize money in the history of the tournament. This year’s total prize pool will be $111.5 million Australian dollars (AUD), an increase of 16 percent from last year’s $96.5 million.
The winners of the men’s and women’s singles categories in the first Grand Slam of the season will receive prize money worth 2.79 million Australian dollars. This is a 19 percent increase from last year’s $2.35 million. The runners-up will receive $2.15 million, while the semi-finalists will receive $1.25 million each. The prize money for the qualifying rounds has been increased by 16 percent, while all singles and doubles players will get an increase of at least 10 percent. Players who lose in the first round of the main draw will now receive 1.5 lakh Australian dollars.
“This 16 per cent increase in prize money reflects our commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level. From a 55 per cent increase in qualifying prize money from 2023 to improved player facilities, we are ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all players,” Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said. He further said that this prize money increase is part of Tennis Australia’s investment of AU$135 million as part of the ‘Summer of Tennis’, which will support the careers of hundreds of professional players.
The three-week-long Grand Slam will begin on January 12 at Melbourne Park. The official draw will take place on January 15 at the Fan Stage at Grand Slam Oval, where defending champions Yannick Sinner and Madison Keys are expected to be in attendance.
Prize Money (Men’s and Women’s Singles):
* Winner: AUD 2.79 million (+19%)
* Runner-up: AUD 2.15 million (+13%)
* Semi-finals: AUD 1.25 million (+14%)
* Quarterfinals: AUD 7.5 lakh (+13%)
* Fourth round: AUD 4.8 lakh (+14%)
* Third round: AUD 3.27 lakh (+13%)
* Second round: AUD 2.25 lakh (+13%)
* First round: AUD 1.5 lakh (+14%)
Qualifying Round (per round):
* Q3: AUD 83,500 (+16%)
* Q2: AUD 57,000 (+16%)
* Q1: AUD 40,500 (+16%)
