10 August 2023 , 15:05
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Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will soon turn their attentions to the 2023 US Open as they compete for a record-breaking prize pot.
Tournament organisers have significantly increased the amount of money up for grabs compared to last year, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event which begins in New York later this month. Wimbledon champion Alcaraz, the defending champion on the men's side, will be looking to repeat his past heroics after beating Casper Ruud in last year's final.
Then, Alcaraz walked away with prize money of £2million for winning his first Grand Slam title. But this year, the winner will receive an even more substantial payout.
The US Tennis Association (USTA) has announced that each winner of the men's and women's singles tournaments will be awarded £2.35million ($3million). This increase in prize money reflects the commitment of the USTA to provide equal opportunities and rewards for both male and female players.
The total prize pot at this year's US Open is expected to reach a staggering £50.9m ($65million), reports the Express US. In addition to the increased prize money, tournament organisers have also made improvements in other areas to enhance the experience for players.
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Competitors will now receive travel vouchers worth around $1000 (£783) and have the option of a second free room in an official tournament hotel, rather than just one. Alternatively, players can choose a stipend of $600 (£470) per day for alternative accommodation.
Meal allowances will be increased, and racket stringing services will be offered to all competitors. This year's US Open holds special significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of awarding equal prize money at the tournament.
The men's and women's singles champions will win £2.35m in prize money at this year's US Open (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)Brian Hainline, the president of USTA, said: "The USTA is incredibly proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of awarding equal prize money at this year’s US Open, and to honour Billie Jean King’s efforts to make this a reality.
"No individual has done more to secure equality for female athletes than Billie Jean King. Her impact goes far beyond the tennis court and there is no better time to celebrate her legacy than on the anniversary of this historic milestone."
The distribution of prize money extends beyond the winners. Players who are eliminated in the first round will receive $81,500 (£63.861), which represents a slight increase from the previous year. Semi-finalists will earn $775,000 (£607,000), while the losing finalists in both the men's and women's singles categories will pocket $1.5 million (£1.18m) each.
When compared to other Grand Slam events, the US Open boasts the highest total prize money this year. After deducting player costs covered by the tournament, Wimbledon offers approximately $49.5 (£38.8m) million, the French Open offers $46.7 million (£36.6m), and the Australian Open offers $52.77 million (£41.3m).
The doubles event at the US Open also presents a lucrative opportunity for players. The winning team will earn $700,000 (£584,000), while those eliminated in the opening round will receive $22,000 (£17,328) per pair.
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