$AU 86.5 million(€53.3m) will be up for grabs at the Australian Open in January, in an increase of 10 million Australian dollars from 2023.
The 112th edition of the tournament begins Jan. 14 in Melbourne Park, as 2023 champion world no. 2 Aryna Sabalenka seeks to defend what was her first career Grand Slam.
Naomi Osaka has also announced her intention to play in the Australian Open after she makes her return to international tennis in the Brisbane International next week, following the birth of her daughter and steps back from the sport to protect her mental health.
“We’ve upped prize money for every round at the Australian Open with the major increases in qualifying and the early rounds of singles and doubles,” said Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley.
First round qualifiers will now receive $AU 31,250 (€19,260), an increase of 20%, while first round main draw singles players will take home $AU 120,000 (€74,000), an increase of 13 %.
Total prize money has more than quadrupled in the last 20 years, from $AU 19.1 million (€11.8m), and more than doubled in the last ten.
“It is critical to the continued success of the Australian Open that we ensure that the best players in the world are compensated appropriately as we know this allows players to invest in their own careers and in many cases, helps set them up for success throughout the year,” Tiley continued.
“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.”