The organizers of the Australian Open have revealed a substantial boost in prize money, reaching a total of 86.5 million Australian dollars ($58.4 million) for the upcoming 2024 edition.
Tournament Director Craig Tiley made the announcement in Melbourne, outlining the increased rewards for every round of the event, set to commence on January 14th.
The first-round qualifiers, often the underdogs striving for a breakthrough, will experience a noteworthy 20% rise in prize money, now standing at 31,250 Australian dollars (approximately $21,000).
The men’s and women’s singles champions will each receive a substantial $3.15 million Australian dollars (around $2.15 million), emphasizing the tournament’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence.
Tiley expressed the significance of adequately compensating top-tier athletes, stating,
“We want to ensure Australia remains the launchpad for the global tennis season, and the players and their teams have everything they need to help them perform at their best and continue to enjoy the Happy Slam.”
Among the notable increases are a 16% rise for first-round doubles teams, now earning $36,000, and a 13% boost for first-round main draw singles players, who will now pocket $120,000.
The elevated prize money across various rounds underscores the commitment to supporting players’ careers and maintaining the Australian Open’s status as a premier event in the tennis calendar.