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Prizemoney
We’ve agreed to the total of $30 million in prizemoney and we’ve also told the players our intention with prizemoney through 2016.
Distribution
We’re also sitting down and working through priorities on how we want to distribute this. We want to keep increases through all the rounds, with a focus on earlier rounds, and to maintain the ratio of singles to doubles prizemoney. We want the men’s and women’s distribution to be the same. We’ve communicated with the ATP and WTA to get their feedback … and we think it’s appropriate – we are a player-friendly Slam, we invest in the player experience, and I think that investment is paying off now because we are well-engaged with the playing group and they’re appreciative of our efforts, and we’re definitely well-liked.
We will never be able to make all 500 players happy with the distribution, but I think at the end of the day we’ll have something that’s fair and equitable for all, and that for the most part they can all agree on.
Court furniture
The new court furniture design was signed off on Friday 2 November, which includes the umpires chairs, the players’ benches and the officiating chairs.
Player activations
Last week we signed off on all the player activities and what we’re planning on doing with all the players during the tournament. This includes their entertainment, the player party, and their participation in the draw ceremony.
On-court ceremonies
We’re still to finalise the on-court ceremonies, the pre-final entertainment and the Legends’ Lunch. But we know what our theme is and what it’s going to look like.
Player gifts
We have a leather-made bag theme each year, which is either a briefcase-type bag, or an overnight bag, or a backpack. This year we’ve organised a really cool overnight travel bag for the players.
Operational activities
Things like security and staffing are signed off, and all the operational planning is done.
Transport supervisors
Normally at this time of year we have a meeting with them on what’s happening. They’re a key group obviously given that they oversee our fleet of player courtesy cars.
The ATP and WTA fact sheet
This contains the facts surrounding the Australian Open for players, and all the details that players need to know regarding sign-in and other logistics.
Australian Open 2013 will be held on 14-27 January at Melbourne Park.