Aussie Open boosts money to appease players

Australian Open organisers on Tuesday boosted prize money to a record A$30 million as they responded to threats of a boycott from players agitating for a greater share of revenue. Tennis Australia chief executive Steve Wood said the A$4 million hike for the 2013 event was the single biggest increase in the history of the opening Grand Slam of the season. “We are proud to announce this major increase in prize money,” he said. “We have led the world in prize money for these incredible athletes and we want to ensure that the Australian Open continues to make a major contribution to the financial wellbeing of players.” Players on the ATP Tour were considering a boycott of January’s tournament to try to gain a higher percentage of Grand Slam event revenues for themselves.