Australian Open announces record prize pool

AUSTRALIAN

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Open tournament organisers announced a record AUD 111.5 million (R1.2 billion) prize money pool yesterday, the largest in the tournament's history.The prize money pool saw a 16 per cent increase on last year prize money of 96.5 million Australian dollars (+R1 billion).

The winners of the men’s and women’s singles at the season-opening Grand Slam will each receive AUD 2.79 million (R30.7 million), marking a 19 per cent rise from last year’s AUD 2.35 million (R25.9 million).

The runner-up will earn AUD 2.15 million (R23.7 million) and the semifinalists AUD 1.25 million (R13.8 million) each. Qualifying rounds are up by 16 per cent, and all singles and doubles players will receive a minimum of a 10 per cent increase.

Players exiting in the first round of the main draw will earn AUD 150 000 (R1.7 million).