Exclusive: ‘Still work to be done’ as Australian Open prize money announced
David Felgate believes that there is more work needed to be done to fund up and coming players, amid record-high Australian Open prize money being announced.
The Australian Open has announced that there will be a record AUD $76.5 million on offer this year, a 3.5% increase from 2022. This is something that Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley believes is essential to keep attracting the top stars and making sure that they are rewarded in the right way.
“It is critical to the continued success of the Australian tennis summer that we provide strong and relevant playing opportunities and ensure that the best players in the world are compensated appropriately. We want to ensure Australia is the launchpad for the global season and that we see as much of them as possible. They inspire us all to engage in this great sport as well as inspiring future generations.”
Check out David’s full and exclusive Tennishead interview including his comments on prize money
He adds, “We are delighted to have more than $100 million in prize money on offer across the Australian summer, along with more chances to compete across the country. We’ve worked tirelessly alongside the ATP and WTA to launch the exciting new United Cup, which includes its own significant ranking points and prize money, a further two WTA and ATP events in Adelaide, the Hobart International and an upgraded ATP 100 Challenger in Canberra.
“At the Australian Open we’ve upped prize money for every round from qualifying, through to the finals, with the major increases in the early rounds, where these substantial rewards help players invest in their own careers and in many cases, set themselves up for success throughout the year.”
| SINGLES – men’s and women’s Per player – 128 draw | |
| Winner | $ 2,975,000 |
| Runner-up | $ 1,625,000 |
| Semi-Finalists | $ 925,000 |
| Quarter-Finalists | $ 555,250 |
| Round of 16 | $ 338,250 |
| Round of 32 | $ 227,925 |
| Round of 64 | $ 158,850 |
| First Round | $ 106,250 |
| QUALIFYING SINGLES – men’s and women’s Per player – 128 draw | |
| Round of 32 | $ 55,150 |
| Round of 64 | $ 36,575 |
| First Round | $ 26,000 |
| DOUBLES – men’s and women’s Per team – 64 draw | |
| Winner | $ 695,000 |
| Runner-up | $ 370,000 |
| Semi-Finalists | $ 210,000 |
| Quarter-Finalists | $ 116,500 |
| Round of 16 | $ 67,250 |
| Round of 32 | $ 46,500 |
| First Round | $ 30,975 |
| MIXED DOUBLES Per team – 32 draw | |
| Winner | $ 157,750 |
| Runner-up | $ 89,450 |
| Semi-Finalists | $ 47,500 |
| Quarter-Finalists | $ 25,250 |
| Round of 16 | $ 12,650 |
| First Round | $ 6,600 |
In an exclusive interview with Tennishead, coach Felgate believes that the top players earn the top prizes, but more needs to be done to support those trying to break through.
“It (prize money) needs some work still, filtering down it doesn’t pay for enough players to actually fund themselves to be out there. How far that should go down is a difficult question, and it is a difficult question in every sport – the market place is the market place and the very top players earn and deserve the top money.”
“But it would be nice to see a bit more money lower down, the question is where would it come from and I don’t have the answer for that. But it would be nice to see the money to be more spread out to enable players to travel and play.”
Felgate is a former professional tennis player, with a top ranking of 301, and has a career highlight of playing against Ivan Lendl on Court One at Wimbledon. Following retirement, Felgate moved onto coaching and has had long stints with the likes of Tim Henman and Donna Vekic. He now heads up the JTC Tennis Academy with ASICS as their clothing and shoe sponsor.
Felgate also stated in his interview that the technology in rackets and shoes can really help your game and especailly wearing the right tennis shoes which can help prevent injury as well as improve your performance. To read reviews of all the latest tennis shoes including ASICS range of 3 different trainers specifically designed for different playing styles, head over to our dedicated Tennis Shoe review section
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