Grand Slam stars for $ 55m Open
THE Australian Open will offer a record $ 55 million in prizemoney – and the return of the sport’s brightest stars.
Officials yesterday announced $ 4 million prizes for the men’s and women’s singles champions and have raised the overall purse by 10 per cent for the January 15- 28 grand slam.
And the return of defending champions Serena Williams and Roger Federer, who helped drive record broadcast figures this year, has officials braced for huge ticket demand.
Tournament director Craig Tiley expects to welcome back Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori from injury.
And Williams hopes resume after becoming mother in September.
“Serena is a truly remarkable athlete, and she hasn’t ruled out a return to the Australian Open,” Tiley said.
“Her baby’s initials are AO ( Alexis Ohanian), and she’s suggested she should also have her name on the 2017 trophy, so the AO is well and truly top of mind. If anyone can do it, she can.
“Venus ( Williams) has also had an incredible year.
“And then of course we have Roger and Rafa ( Nadal).
“Anyone who was fortunate enough to see them play any of their matches this year was in the box seat to witness two of the most amazing comebacks.
“Roger has won five titles from the nine tournaments he’s played, and he can’t wait to come back, step out on Rod Laver Arena again and begin his title defence. He loves playing here, loves the Aussie fans.
“( Rafa is) the ultimate competitor and brings so much intensity to every match.
“With the return of Novak, Andy and Stan, who will all have lower rankings, there’s also a real chance we’ll finally see a breakthrough from one of the rising stars like Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem or David Goffin.” to a