Tennis 2023 Australian Open – Record prize up for grabs

Novak Djokovic and other top tennis players in the world will compete for more than A$100 million ($67.35 million) in prize money during the Australian summer.

The all-time high comes from a record A$76.5 million ($51.52 million) Australian Open purse and the addition of the lucrative new United Cup mixed teams competition to kick off the season.

The men’s and women’s singles champions at Melbourne Park will each receive A$2.975 million ($2 million), officials announced on Thursday, a 3.4 percent overall increase over last summer’s Open riches.

Prize money increases with each open round, including a qualifier where the first round entrant earns AUD 26,000 (US$17,500).

First round singles main draw players take home AUD 106,250 (USD 75,160) and those who advance to the second round take home AUD 158,850 (USD 106,960).

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said the pay rises are part of a continued investment in a global player pool.

“At the Australian Open, we’ve increased prize money for every round from qualifying to the final, and the big increases have been in the early rounds, when these significant prizes help players invest in their own careers and, in many cases, set themselves up for success throughout the year,” Tiley said.

The prize money is the same for players in the women’s and men’s draw.

Nine-time Open winner Djokvovic was prevented from defending his crown last summer when he was expelled for refusing to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

The Serbian superstar is expected to return to Melbourne Park next month, with question marks hanging over how he will be received by the local fans.

Djokovic arrived in Australia this week and is listed to play in the Adelaide International, which starts on January 1.

Defending men’s champion Rafael Nadal is part of the Spanish team competing in the United Cup, where women’s world number one Iga Swiatek will represent Poland.

The United Cup – an ATP-WTA event in partnership with Tennis Australia – carries US$15 million (A$22 million) in prize money and up to 500 ranking points.

Australian Open 2023 prize money quick facts (in AUD):

* First Round Qualifiers: $26,000, up 3.0%

* First-round doubles teams: $30,975, up 3.1%

* First Round Main Draw Singles: $106,250, up 3.2%

* Second Round Singles: $158,850, up 3.1%

* Singles Semi-Finalists: $925.00, up 3.4%

* Singles Champions: $2.975 million

* Total open prize purse: $76.5 million, up 3.4%