Menu

Australian Open Prize Money 2018 – Equal Pay and Odds Updated for November 2024

Roger Federer Australian Open Prize Money

Updated: 1st November 2024

The 2018 Australian Open, which takes place between the 15th and 28th January will feature the top names in both the men’s and the women’s game. The first of only four grand slam tournaments contested throughout the season. The  Australian Open prize money has been increased by 10% ahead of this year’s event.

Thanks to equal pay for the men’s and women’s singles, the winners of both will head home with a cheque for £2.32m. Not bad for two weeks work.

£1.16m Australian Open Prize Money for the Runner Up

The runners-up are also well rewarded for their efforts. To reach the final of the 2018 Australian Open will guarantee a player leaves the tournament with at least £1.16m. For those players at the other end of the spectrum, there is even Australia Open prize money for being eliminated in the first round.

£28,900 for Players who fail to win any match

Players who fail to win a match in the tournament will leave Melbourne early. They will though take £28,900 with them on the plane home.

The 2018 Australian Open will be the second most lucrative tournament for players after the 2017 US Open. This remains the biggest event on the tennis calendar in terms of prize money.

Roger Federer came back from a disappointing 2016 to prove the doubters wrong by winning the Australian Open last year. He will be hoping to make it back-to-back Australian Open titles. This for the second time in his career.

The Swiss legend has amassed a fortune during his incredible career. However money will be the last thing on his mind when he steps onto the court at the 2018 Australian Open. Despite his advancing years, Federer remains the bookmakers favourite to win the tournament. He is priced at 7/4 with Unibet.

Several of the top male players have been struggling with injury. Both Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori will miss the opportunity to get their hands on the record Australian Open prize money for the men’s singles.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are both in the tournament but do not appear 100% fit. Nadal came through is first round match but was not tested. It remains to be seen just how fit the Spaniard is and if he can go all the way. Nadal is 17/4 with Unibet to win the 2018 Australian Open.

Djokovic has been struggling with an elbow injury. Despite having a long break from the game last year, he is not fully convinced it is healed.

[excerptlist num=6 display='Vertical' ]

Djokovic presses for More Money

The 11/2 shot with William Hill has also been eager to raise the issue of prize money prior to the tournament. Despite the Australian Open prize money being doubled over the next five years, Djokovic is said to have introduced a lawyer during a players’ meeting and there was allegedly talk of forming a breakaway players’ union, separate from the ATP.

It is thought many of the leading tennis players feel their pay is out of line with other top sports like golf. However it remains to be seen if anything concrete comes from the meeting.

Djokovic will need to switch on and focus on his tennis if he is to win his seventh Australian Open title this year.

Equal Australian Open Prize Money for Men and Women since 2001

The Australian Open prize money has been evenly distributed between men and women since 2001. Several players will have their eyes on the prize of £2.32m for winner of the women’s singles event. The US Open has enjoyed equal pay since 1973 but both the French Open and Wimbledon were late to the scene, only doing so in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

Serena Williams is not taking part in the tournament. This leaves the door open in terms of a potential winner of the women’s singles at the 2018 Australian Open.

Pay day for Svitolina

Australian Open Prize Money 2018 - Equal Pay and Odds 1

Elina Svitolina starts the tournament as the favourite, priced at 7/1 with William Hill . She comes into the event on the back of a win in Brisbane. If she can reach the first grand slam semi-final of her career at the Australian Open, the Ukrainian stands to win at least £509,000 but will be hoping to press on and reach the final.

Potential opponents include Simona Halep. She is 8/1 second favourite with William Hill . However she has never progressed beyond the semi-final in Melbourne.

Other contenders include 2017 Wimbledon champion, Garbine Muguruza. She is 14/1 with Betfair and former world number one Angelique Kerber, who is 9/1 with Unibet.

Whichever player comes out on top, in both the men’s and the women’s singles at the Australian Open is going to enjoy record prize money and will continue to do so for at least the next five years.

Relevant news

Leave a Reply