The Australian Open has been leading the way in player remuneration for several years. Most recently AO 2012 paid the highest ever Grand Slam prize purse of $26m.
We agree that the lower ranked players need to receive more in compensation but this is an issue for the whole sport of tennis and the solution shouldn’t be limited to the Grand Slams. We are keen to contribute toward solving the problem, but to fix it properly there needs to be a combined effort throughout the sport.
We are working on a compensation plan for the 2013 event are keen to ensure it addresses a lot of the issues players have been raising with us in our ongoing discussions.
Our relationship with the playing group is very strong and I’m absolutely confident we’ll see all the players in Melbourne for Australian Open 2013.