Tennis: Australian Open increases prize-money

MELBOURNE: Australian Open organisers boosted prize-money to a record Aus$30 million as they responded to threats of a boycott from players agitating for a greater share of revenue. Tennis Australia Chief Executive Steve Wood said the Aus$4 million hike for the 2013 event was the single biggest increase in the history of the opening Grand Slam of the season. “We are proud to announce this major increase in prize-money,” said Wood. “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.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 3^rd, 2012.