The world's top tennis players are set for a bumper payout at the Australian Open, with organizers announcing a record $23.9 million prize fund.
It will be the highest reward offered in the 105-year history of the event, with the men's and women's singles champions both winning $2.2m each.
In addition, beaten finalists will be consoled with a cheque for $1m, and a $348m redevelopment of the grand-slam's Melbourne Park venue in Victoria has also commenced.
Victorian Minister for Sport James Merlino told the Australian Open website: "The Australian Open is the largest annual event in the southern hemisphere -- it's also the biggest sporting event anywhere in the world during the month of January.
"The redevelopment of Melbourne Park is the most significant happening for the Australian Open in a generation. The benefits for both the Australian Open and the sport of tennis will be phenomenal."
The January championship, the first slam of 2011, will present current world number one Rafael Nadal with a unique opportunity.
The Spaniard can cap a memorable year by winning all four grand-slam titles within a 12-month period, following in the footsteps of tennis greats such as Rod Laver and Don Budge.
Roger Federer, deposed by Nadal as world number one earlier this year, will be the defending champion, while Serena Williams will look to claim the women's title again.
No comments:
Post a Comment