Australian Open to increase prize money

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Prize money for both the men's and women's singles champions at next year's Australian Open has been increased to A$1.62 million ($1.16 million), organisers said on Wednesday.

The 2008 winners, Maria Sharapova of Russia and Serbia's Novak Djokovic, each won A$1.37 million. The total prize pool has also increased to A$22 million from A$20.6 million.

Organisers also unveiled greater entertainment facilities for fans at the Jan. 19-Feb. 1 tournament and two extra night sessions on the secondary Hisense Arena.

The women's final, traditionally played on the second Saturday afternoon, had already been moved to the evening to accommodate television.

Tournament director Craig Tiley also said they had upgraded player facilities, including a new restaurant and gymnasium, and would provide a specialised concierge service.

"From the moment the player steps off the plane to the moment they depart Melbourne Park, we want to do everything possible to ensure they have one of the best tournament experiences of their year," Tiley said.

The tournament had also signed new television agreements with China's CN Sports Interactive Media Group for three years and South Africa's Super Sport for five years.

Tennis Australia Chief Executive Steve Wood added that ESPN Star Sports has also acquired the Pan-Asian rights until 2014. Australia's Channel Seven are the host broadcasters.

"With the new agreements in China and South Africa, we now have broadcast deals that span the globe," said Wood.