Organisers of next year’s Australian Open announced that prize money for both the men's and women's singles champions will be increased to A$1.62 million.
Reuters reports that the total prize pool has also increased to A$22 million from A$20.6 million and that organisers have unveiled greater entertainment facilities for fans at the January 19-February 1 tournament. In addition two extra night sessions on the secondary Hisense Arena have been added to the programme.
Tournament director, Craig Tiley, told the news service that they also invested in upgrading player facilities, including a new restaurant and gymnasium, and would provide a specialised concierge service. "From the moment the player steps off the plane to the moment they depart Melbourne Park, we want to do everything possible to ensure they have one of the best tournament experiences of their year," Tiley said.
Organisers also signed new TV rights deals with China's CN Sports Interactive Media Group for three years, South Africa's Super Sport for five years as well as with ESPN Star Sports for the Pan-Asian rights until 2014.
