Australian Open raises grand slam prize money for next year

The Australian Open will offer a record AUD$30 million prize money next January, Tennis Australia CEO Steve Woodannounced at the Australian Open 2013 launch at Melbourne Park Tuesday. Additionally, Wood said that Tennis Australia officials would seek further input from players regarding a more equitable distribution of prize money to help ensure financial viability for lower ranked players.

“We are proud to announce this major increase in prize money. We have led the world in prize money for these incredible athletes and we want to ensure that the Australian Open continues to make a major contribution to the financial wellbeing of professional tennis players,” Wood explained.

In response to Tennis Australia's announcement regarding 2013Australian Open prize money, Brad Drewett, ATP Executive Chairman and President, said: “We welcome the increase in prize money for the 2013Australian Open and acknowledge the ongoing efforts of Tennis Australia to recognise the role of the players in the success of the tournament. We also look forward with confidence to continuing these successful discussions with a view to a longer-term understanding.”

The $4 million prize money boost is the biggest increase in the history of the event and was one of a raft of initiatives announced for Australian Open 2013 including:

• Retired tennis superstar Andre Agassi to play in a special feature match in the Men’s Legends Event
• Hawk-Eye to be introduced on Show Courts 2 and 3
• New practice and recovery facilities for players, including eight new clay courts in the new National Tennis Centre
• Expanded Australian Open Trophy Tour throughout Australia, China and Japan
• The inaugural Asia-Pacific Australian Open Wildcard Play-off to be held in China
• The new Edwin Flack footbridge connecting the MCG with Melbourne Park and AAMI Park
• An expanded Women’s Legends event, including former AO champs Amelie Mauresmo and Lindsay Davenport along with Martina Hingis and Martina Navratilova
• A special Legends Lunch on the final Saturday to honour six-timeAustralian Open winner Roy Emerson

Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley also said he was confident Spanish superstar and Australian Open 2012 finalist Rafael Nadal will have overcome a leg injury in time to prepare for a major assault on the event in 2013.

“Expect Rafa to be one of many great stories in January, including a formidable title defence from our brilliant reigning men’s champion, Novak Djokovic, and some major challenges from the great Roger Federer, US Open 2012 champion Andy Murray and any one of a group of Ferrer, Del Potro, Berdych and Tsonga,” said Tiley.

Series tickets for Australian Open 2013 go on sale through Ticketek from 9:00 am on Wednesday 3 October to 5:00 pm Sunday 7 October (AEDST).Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena single session tickets and Australian Open grounds passes are on sale from 9:00 am (AEDST) Monday 8 October.

The $34 Australian Open grounds pass gives fans access to all the outside courts and free entertainment on Grand Slam Oval and in Garden Square. Fans are encouraged to pre-purchase and save on tickets forAustralian Open 2013. Tournament pricing applies to all tickets purchased from Monday 14 January.

atpworldtour.com