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When 500 of the world’s best players arrive in Melbourne in January for Australian Open 2008, they will be competing for the largest prizepool on offer in the tournament’s history – A$20.6 million.

The men’s and women’s singles winners will take home A$1.37 million each. Prize money from the round of 16 onwards has increased by seven per cent on 2007. In US dollar terms, Australian Open 2008 prize money has increased by more than 18 per cent on 2007.

And while the players will compete for more prize money than ever before on the court, the Australian Open will be ensuring that their off-court experience at the tournament is better than ever with the implementation of a detailed player experience plan.

“The Australian Open is renowned for being one of the world’s most player-friendly tournaments and we’re looking to further build this reputation in 2008,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said.

“Building on our already extensive player services offering, this plan goes even further to ensure the players have the best possible experience during their time here in Melbourne and at the Australian Open, from the time they step off the plane until they step back on again.”

Every area that affects the players has been enhanced – with additional changes scheduled to be implemented in 2009 – including more player services staff, both on-site and at the official player hotels, to ensure a more personalised service.

As in previous years, there will be eight main draw wildcards on offer into both the men’s and women’s singles.

? Eight discretionary wildcards.
? Two for the Australian Open wildcard playoff winners.
? Two for the French Tennis Federation.
? Two for the United States Tennis Association.
? Two for the Asian Championships winners.

The winners of this year’s Asian Championships, and therefore the first wildcard recipients for Australian Open 2008, are Denis Istomin and Iroda Tulyaganova, both of Uzbekistan.