Australian Open prize money increased

Today organisers of the Australian Open have increased the prize money for early losers of the first grand slam of the season to record levels, in a move which is hoped will quell unrest with players and end talk of a strike.

The Asia-Pacific grand slam will now pay more prize money per round than any other tournament, with increases for doubles players and qualifying matches, but mixed doubles saw prize money frozen.



The biggest increases were for first round losers in the men's and women's singles, who will now receive $29,000, a 32.7% increase in prize money from 2012, with those exiting in the second round receiving $45,500, a 36.6% increase.

The decision made by the tournament organisers is hoped to release tension with the players council, led by 17-times grand slam champion Roger Federer. Federer has been calling for more of the revenue made from the four grand slams to be passed down to the players who take part in the tournament.

"Our motivation is to make a major contribution toward helping ensure professional tennis players can make a decent living," Craig Tiley, the Australian Open tournament director, said in a statement. 

"As we have said in the past, it is a real issue and needs to be urgently addressed throughout the sport."