The Australian Open in '14 will see a boost in prize money to a record $30.8M (all figures U.S.) -- a 10% increase that is "slightly less" than the record-setting uptick last year," according to Linda Pearce of the Melbourne AGE. The distribution "will be finalised after discussions with the ATP and the WTA, although the winners will receive" an increase over the $2.3M offered last year. Tennis HOFer Pete Sampras also "will make a rare grand slam appearance" to present the men's trophy at the event. Tournament Dir and Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said of Sampras, "We know we're going to be the envy of the US Open, Wimbledon and Roland Garros to get Pete down here, to celebrate his success and join us for the final week." But the "most visible change for 2014 will be the redevelopment of Margaret Court Arena, the third stadium court behind Rod Laver Arena and Hisense, and the third -- a world first -- to have a retractable roof." The roof "will not be operational" until '15, although it "may be ready for Davis Cup or Fed Cup play before then" (Melbourne AGE, 10/2). The AP noted all four Grand Slams have "greatly increased their prize money in the past two years." Wimbledon "now offers" about $36.5M while the U.S. Open increased its purse to $34.3M and the French Open went up to $29.7M (AP, 10/1).
