French Open pot up €3m
The French Open will pay total prize money of more than €25m this year, with the singles champions each receiving €1.65m.
That is an increase of €150,000 on the cheques picked up last year by champions Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams and a total increase of three million euros.
As has been the trend over the past couple of years, the biggest percentage increases have come for those losing in the early rounds as a recognition of the high costs of professional tennis.
Players beaten in the second and third rounds will pick up 20% more prize money than last year – €42,000 and €72,000 respectively – with fourth-round losers taking home €125,000, a 25% increase.
Tournament director Gilbert Ysern said: “This significant increase is part of the four-year plan developed for the years 2013 to 2016. It specifically targets players eliminated in the first week.”
Wimbledon is due to announce its prize money for this year’s tournament later this month.
The French Open, the year’s second grand slam, begins in Paris on May 25.
