Top Male Players Could Boycott Australian Open

The world’s top male tennis players could boycott January’s Australian Open because they want a larger percentage of Grand Slam revenues to be paid in prize money.

The issue was the top priority at a mandatory meeting for all ATP world tour players in New York Saturday night.

It has been rumoured that the ATP is considering staging an alternative event, probably in Dubai, if the players don’t receive higher percentage of tournament revenue, which currently stands below 20 percent.

World Number 1, Roger Federer said: “Obviously always going to be rumours flying, but I think we’re on the right track for many things We are making sure everybody is on the same page and understanding the situation.”

On average, first-round losers at this year’s three Grand Slam events received US$22,000 each with the Australian Open being the least lucrative at US$21,650. All of the majors have increased their prize levels this year- Wimbledon has announced a 26 percent pay rise for first-round losers.

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Australian Open director, Craig Tiley said: “We are working on a compensation plan for the 2013 event and 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.”

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