The French Open will increase this spring's prize money payout to a record 28 million euros (29.7 million dollars), up three million euros, as the financial arms race continues at the four grand slam events.
Roland Garros officials on Tuesday confirmed the 12 per cent rise in the prize money package for the upcoming edition starting May 24.
That compares to 32.8 million dollars overall at January's spare-no-cost Australian Open. Last summer, cash-rich Wimbledon offered more than 42 million dollars to players while the US Open paid 38.3 million.
French officials said their plans will see larger increases for players in both the men's and women's draws knocked out in the second, third and fourth rounds; money for those round is up by 20 per cent.
"This significant increase in the prize money for Roland-Garros is part of the four-year plan established for 2013-2016," tournament director Gilbert Ysern said.
"It is chiefly designed to benefit those men's and women's players who are knocked out in the first week."
