Total Australian Open Awards Rp806 Billion, Highest Record During Implementation

Novak Djokovic (Instagram @djokernole)

JAKARTA - Organizers announced an increase in the Australian Open prize, which will be held in January, by 3.4 percent from the previous edition with a total prize of 51.6 million US dollars or around Rp806 billion.

The winner of the title for the men's and women's sector at the first season of the Grand Slam will both bring home a prize of around Rp. 31.3 billion with the players who were defeated in the previous round far better than before.

Anyone who is eliminated in the first half will receive around IDR 1.1 billion, up 3.2 percent, while players in the second half will get a similar increase to IDR 1.6 billion.

Tournament director Craig Tiley said the total prizes for the Australian Open, which includes Grand Slam warm-up matches, including the United Cup, will exceed Rp1 trillion for the first time.

"It is imperative for Australia's continued summer tennis success that we provide a strong and relevant playing opportunity and ensure that the world's best players are compensated accordingly," Tiley said, as quoted by Antara via AFP on Thursday.

"At the Australian Open, we raised the prize money for each round from qualifying, to finals, with a big improvement in the early stages."

"This substantial prize helps players invest in their own careers, and in many cases, prepare themselves for success throughout the year," he added.

Australian Open prizes have increased by more than 321 percent, or around Rp. 613 billion in the last 20 years, from the previous Rp. 191 billion.

The Australian Open will take place at Melbourne Park on January 16.