Aussie Open Offers Largest Winners Payouts In Grand Slam Tennis

The Australian Open next year will offer the "fattest winner's cheque in grand slam tennis," as the men's and women's singles champions each will earn a record $1.87M (all figures US), up from $1.78M this year, according to Linda Pearce of the Melbourne AGE. The Australian Open "has overtaken the most recent figures" for the French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open "after a resurgence in the [Australian] dollar, and based on current exchange rates." French Open champions earned about $1.57M this year, Wimbledon winners earned about $1.36M and U.S. Open champions earned about $1.60M. The '10 Australian Open will offer an overall prize pool of $21.46M, which is "still inferior to the other three" major tournaments (Melbourne AGE, 10/7). Australian Open Tournament Dir Craig Tiley said in a statement, "In this time of economic uncertainty, the Australian Open holds strong as an important international brand in the world of sport and business." The Australian Open will take place January 18-31 at Melbourne Park (REUTERS, 10/6).