Australian Open prizemoney hits record high

Players at January’s Australian Open will be competing for a record prize pool with organisers Friday announcing a 13 percent boost in the total purse to Aus$86.5 million (US$59.0 million).

The winners of the men’s and women’s titles at the first Grand Slam of the year will both take home Aus$3.150 million, with players beaten in earlier rounds, and qualifying, faring better than ever.

Those crashing out in round one will receive Aus$120,000, up 13 percent, while second-round players get the same increase to Aus$180,000.

Even players knocked out in the first round of qualifying will receive Aus$31,250.