The Australian Open’s record prize fund has reignited debate around how tennis rewards its players. While organisers point to increased investment, many players argue the balance remains skewed. Beyond prize money, calls for stronger welfare, consultation and long-term support continue to grow, highlighting a sport wrestling with prosperity and fairness in equal measure.
00:01The Australian Open will begin the new season with a record prize fund, but the headline figure has done little to quiet a growing conversation around how tennis rewards its players.
00:12While the numbers are bigger than ever, dissatisfaction beneath the surface suggests the sport's financial balance remains unresolved.
00:21This year's tournament will offer a total prize pot of £55 million, the largest in Australian Open history, and a significant increase on last season.
00:30Single champions will earn just over £2 million, while every other player across singles and doubles will see at least a double-digit figure for earnings.
00:40For organisers, it's a clear statement of progress and investment, yet amongst the players, the response has been more muted.
00:47The increase represents around 16% of tournament revenue, a figure that mirrors recent distributions at other Grand Slams, but falls short of what leading players believe is fair.
00:58A group of top-ranked men's and women's players have been pushing for a higher share, closer to the level seen at some ATP and WTA tour events.
01:08The Australian Open now offers more total prize money than Wimbledon and Roland Garros, but still trails the US Open.
01:17As Melbourne approaches, the numbers tell one story, the reaction from players suggest another.
01:23Tennis may be richer than ever, but the debate over who benefits most is far from settled.
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