While there will be plenty of focus on the winners of the 2023 Australian Open, it can be revealed that round one losers will receive a payday of $106,250 – even if they get thrashed.
After the US Open, the tournament is the second-highest paying tennis event in the world with a prize pool of AU$76.5million in 2023.
It is a far cry from where the tournament came from when Margaret Court earned just $700 for winning the women’s title in 1970 at Kooyong – around $8,500 when adjusted for inflation.
Margaret Court with the trophy of the Wimbledon tennis championships ladies’ singles competition, 1970
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the 2022 Australian Open men’s singles final in an epic match against Daniil Medvedev
In 1988, Premier John Cain announced that the tournament would be relocated from Kooyong to Flinders Park, a neglected parkland between Richmond and Melbourne’s CBD that ultimately become Melbourne Park.
Since then, the tournament has continued to grow in stature to the rich grand slam it has now become for competitors from around the world.
Romania’s Jaquelin Cristian could not even last an hour on court at the 2023 Australian Open, blasted off court 6-0 6-1 by world No.3 Jessica Pegula, yet will take home over 12 times what Court would have.
Likewise, Japan’s Yosuke Watanuki smashed France’s Arthur Rinderknech in straight sets.
While there were plenty of lucky losers pocketing a massive pay day, there were also some major winners – like Australia’s Olivia Gadecki.
She became first home hope to advance to the Australian Open second round at Melbourne Park, the merging star vindicating her wildcard entry with a rousing 7-5 6-1 victory over teenage qualifier Polina Kudermetova.
That means she will earn at least $158,850 just for making it to the second round, more than most Aussie will make in a year.
Barty speaks during Kids Tennis Day presented by Emirates during a practice session ahead of the 2023 Australian Open
Wildcard entry Olivia Gadecki of Australia reacts in her round one singles match against Polina Kudermetova
Gadecki has been mentored by fellow Queenslander and reigning Australian Open champion Ash Barty and was clearly emotional with the win.
‘Wow, okay,’ she responded in stunned disbelief when told how much she would win in prizemoney.
‘In a way, it doesn’t really change the way I go about my career. It just gives me a little bit of a safety net, which is which is really important when it comes to being an athlete is having that security and knowing you don’t have to rely on doing well each and every week to be able to find yourself.
‘The help from Tennis Australia is just amazing and I’ve been so lucky to be able to be supported by Tennis Australia, especially Craig, since I was very young and without them I wouldn’t be here right now. So thank you.’
Gadecki also immediately thanked Barty for her support, revealing the retired star had messaged her straight after the watershed victory.
‘She sent me a text after my match, which really meant a lot,’ Gadecki said.
‘I’m sure everyone kind of knows she’s always been in my corner.
‘I’m so lucky to have her, whenever I need advice or anything I’m always able to contact her.’
Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tilley said prizemoney had been increased at the Australian Open with lower ranking players now able to earn more and invest in their careers
Gadecki is precisely the sort of player the Australian Open wants to invest in.
Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tilley said increases to the winners’ cheques in the lower rounds would allow players like Gadecki to advance their careers without having to grind for ATP and WTA points at small events with meagre prizemoney.
‘We’ve upped prize money for every round from qualifying, through to the finals, with the major increases in the early rounds, where these substantial rewards help players invest in their own careers and in many cases, set themselves up for success throughout the year,’ Tiley said.
Three-time Grand Slam winner and former world No.1 Ash Barty with the Australian Open trophy after beating Danielle Collins of the US in the 2022 final
| Round | Prize money | |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | $2,975,000 | |
| Runner-up | $1,625,000 | |
| Semifinalists | $925,000 | |
| Quarterfinalists | $555,250 | |
| Round 4 | $338,250 | |
| Round 3 | $227,925 | |
| Round 2 | $158,850 | |
| Round 1 | $106,250 |
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Nick Kyrgios (right) and Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia celebrate after winning the men’s doubles final against Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell at the 2022 Australian Open
| Round | Prize money | |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | $695,000 | |
| Runner-up | $370,000 | |
| Semifinalists | $210,000 | |
| Quarterfinalists | $116,500 | |
| Round 3 | $67,250 | |
| Round 2 | $46,500 | |
| Round 1 | $30,975 |
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Sam Stosur and Scott Draper hold their trophy after winning the mixed doubles final against Liezel Huber of South Africa and Kevin Ullyett of Zimbabwe during the 2005 Australian Open
| Round | Prize money | |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | $157,750 | |
| Runner-up | $89,450 | |
| Semifinalists | $47,500 | |
| Quarterfinalists | $25,250 | |
| Second round | $12,650 | |
| First round | $6600 |
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