Australian Open announces prize money boost for 2019
MELBOURNE, Australia - The Australian Open has announced a boost to its 2019 prize money pool, increasing it to AUD $60.5 million ($42.7 million US dollars) for the tournament which begins in January.
The division of prize money is yet to be confirmed - but it will be split equally between the men's and women's tournaments as usual. Last year, the winners of each singles title received $4 million.
The tournament will also introduce a series of initiatives following a period of extensive consultation with players and coaches, including a 25-second serve clock for all main draw matches, electronic review system on all 16 match courts, a heat stress index to replace the existing extreme heat policy, and a bigger qualifying draw for women, up from 96 to 128 players.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on listening to the players, and this year we’ve taken our consultation to a whole new level,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said.
"Our team has spent a lot of time this year talking to players, coaches and their teams about what’s important to them, what they like and what changes they want to see.
“From these discussions, held at tournaments around the world, we’ve come up with some changes we know the players want, including the serve clock and electronic review on all match courts, making conditions more consistent across the precinct.
“We’ve increased the women’s qualifying draw to 128, in line with the men’s qualifying, removing what was really an historical anomaly, and we’re starting qualifying a day earlier.
“The 25-second serve clock will be introduced for all matches – we know there’s a move to speed up play and we’ll continue to work with the players on the best ways to do this."
Tiley also confirmed that he expects the WTA Top 100 to compete in Melbourne - including 2017 champion Serena Williams.
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“I’m delighted to announce that Serena Williams will return to the Australian Open in January. We last saw Serena here in Melbourne as our champion, holding the Daphne Ackhurst Memorial Cup, in 2017. Of course what we didn’t know at the time was that she was already eight weeks pregnant with baby Olympia.
“Serena loves coming to Melbourne and I know she’s excited about returning in January with her family, it’s definitely a very special place for her. She’ll also be super-focused on winning here, and equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
“Victoria Azarenka, a much-loved two-time champion here in Melbourne, will be back for the first time since 2016. Vika is also a new mum to toddler Leo and I’m looking forward to showing her, and Serena, our new crèche facilities – I’m sure they’ll be appreciated."
He also confirmed that he expects 2018's Grand Slam champions to be there - Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber and Naomi Osaka - as well as defending Melbourne champion Caroline Wozniacki.
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There will also be some home stars there, including Ashleigh Barty and Daria Gavrilova.
“Ash has had an incredible year, she’s consistently maintained her spot in the Top 20 and broke through to win a Grand Slam doubles title at the US Open," said Tiley.
“We were also delighted to announce Ash as our Indigenous Tennis Ambassador earlier this year, and she joined Evonne Goolagong in Darwin to announce Australia’s first Indigenous Tennis Carnival. She also visited communities in the Tiwi Islands, inspiring local kids and introducing them to tennis.
“Dasha has also been consistent this year, hovering around the Top 30. She’s had a couple of big wins - last week she defeated former Wimbledon champ Petra Kvitova which will be great for her confidence as she prepares for the Aussie summer."
