US Open Prize Money Significantly Increased

The US Tennis Association (USTA) have announced that prize money for the 2013 US Open will be increased by four million dollars, doubling the record two million dollar increase of 2012. 

Total US Open prize money in 2013 will be $29.5 million.  Singles prize money at the US Open has now increased by 34% since the 2011 US Open.  Overall tournament prize money has been increased by $6 million since the 2011 US Open. Distribution of prize money by round will be determined by the USTA in due course.  The USTA will solicit suggestions for this distribution from the men’s and women’s players and their respective tours. 

In order to accommodate the players’ request for a day of rest between the singles semifinals and finals, the 2013 US Open is scheduled to conclude on Monday, September 9.  The women’s singles semifinals will be played in a single day session on Friday, September 6, and the women’s final will take place on Sunday, September 8 at 4:30 p.m. ET, in the time slot where the men’s singles final was traditionally played. 

The men’s singles semifinals will continue to be played in a single day session on Saturday, September 7, with the men’s singles final to take place on Monday, September 9 at 5:00 p.m. ET.  In the new schedule, no competition will be scheduled for the second Saturday night of the tournament. 

“I’m pleased that the USTA has modified the US Open schedule to include a day of rest between the semi-finals and final,” said Andy Murray, winner of the 2012 US Open. “Together with the prize money increase, it’s good that they’ve taken on board the players’ concerns.” 

“We recognize the increased physicality required to compete at the highest level of the sport, and we have responded to the players’ request for a scheduled day of rest between the singles semifinals and finals,” said Jon Vegosen, USTA Chairman of the Board and President.  “The record increase in US Open prize money and the changes in the next year’s schedule are aimed at rewarding the players’ talents and accommodating the rigors of the modern professional game.”

The ATP said in a statement: “By modifying the schedule to allow a rest day between the semi-finals and the final, the US Open has recognised the incredible physical demands of men’s tennis.

“However, the ATP and its players have made it clear to the US Open that we do not support a Monday final. We strongly believe the US Open should keep a similar schedule to the other Grand Slams, with the men’s semi-finals completed by Friday and the final on Sunday. It is unfortunate the US Open response did not reflect our views on this issue and the ATP and its players will continue to pursue this matter in its discussions with the USTA.”