Andy Murray says the U.S. Open’s announced increase of its 2013 prize money by $4 million dollars and its decision to go to a Monday men’s final were good decisions.
“I’m pleased that the USTA has modified the U.S. Open schedule to include a day of rest between the semi-finals and final,” 2012 U.S. Open winner Murray said in a statement. “Together with the prize money increase, it’s good that they’ve taken on board the players’ concerns.”
On the contrary, ATP Player Council representative Sergiy Stakhovsky was not thrilled with the schedule changes, tweeting, “Very nice of #USTA to make a Monday final without talking to players....it’s gonna be a good one next year.” The Ukrainian added that he disagrees with holding the first round over three days.
Serena Williams, who won the 2012 U.S. Open women’s title and is a WTA Player Council representative, said: “Both the prize money increase and the addition of a day of rest are great for the players. These moves make the tournament stronger than it’s ever been for all players.”
WTA Chairman and CEO Stacey Allaster added: “We appreciate the USTA’s announcement of increased prize money and 40 years of equal compensation for the athletes of our sport. The changes made for the 2013 U.S. Open are steps in the right direction.”
ATP officials have yet to issue a statement.
The U.S. Open increased its prize money an identical amount to what the Australian Open did earlier this year, although the Australian dollar trades at five cents more than the U.S. dollar. Some players had threatened to boycott the Australian Open prior to its announcement, but backed off after the increase.
USTA spokesman Chris Widmaier told TENNIS.com that while the USTA “will make the final decision as to the prize money distribution,” the organization has been and will continue to consult with the players.
The Australian Open has pledged to give bigger increases to players in the first few rounds, but has yet to officially announce what the percentages will be. The <em>Melbourne Age</em> has reported that the tournament would increase its first-round losers’ checks to above $27,000 Australian dollars, a rise of almost 30 percent from 2012, when players who lost in the first round received $20,800.