French Open increases prize money ahead of 2016 edition

13 April 2016 02:53

The French Open has increased its total prize money by four million euros (£3.175million) to more than 32 million (£25.4million) for this summer's tournament.

The singles champions at Roland Garros will take home two million euros (£1.588million) each but the biggest percentage increases come in the early rounds.

Players reaching the third round of the singles will net more than 100,000 euros (£79,400) for the first time.

New tournament director Guy Forget said: "This noticeable increase in prize money at Roland Garros is the final raise mentioned in the four-year plan drawn up for 2013 to 2016.

"In total, the tournament's prize money will have increased by a historic 70 per cent during this four-year period, with a particular focus on those players who are eliminated in the first week, who have seen their earnings double."

Stan Wawrinka and Serena Williams will defend their titles at the year's second grand slam, which begins on May 22.

Source: PA