Melbourne - The world financial crisis may have miraculously bypassed the upcoming Australian Open, with optimistic officials piling on the perks for well-paid players with another prize money increase for 2009. After Roger Federer was spotted in a Dubai jewelry store looking at pricey baubles accompanied by girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec, the three-time champion should have no trouble paying for any little trinkets should he lift the Aussie title again at the start of 2009.
The tournament on Wednesday announced a hefty 18 percent increase in payouts for an event now worth a record 15.6 million US dollars (11.5 million euros).
While the 2008 champions Maria Sharapova and Novak Djokovic each won 970,000 dollars, next year's trophy-holders will carry off a comfortable 1.15 million dollars apiece.
The spare-no-expense Grand Slam is fighting for its commercial life in the face of stiff competition from Asia, which would love nothing better than to claim a world major for its region.
To that end, Melbourne Park is likely due for a comprehensive makeover in the next few years. If government money can be found, a decision could be announced at the January 19-Feb 1, 2009, edition.
Meanwhile, chequebooks are out to fund improvements including a new player restaurant and gymnasium plus a bespoke concierge service for the competitor who has everything.
"From the moment the player steps off the plane to the moment they depart Melbourne Park, we want to do everything possible to ensure they have one of the best tournament experiences of their year," said tournament director Craig Tiley.
To rake in more television money and pay the increased bills, the women are headed down the slippery slope of a night final, sure to bolster viewer numbers and make the event the only major to play both championship matches under the lights.
With television money calling the shots, official had little choice but to end a 103-year daytime tradition.
Asian cash is expected to help fund the new-look tennis extravaganza, with a new new television agreements with China's CN Sports Interactive Media Group lasting for three years and with South Africa's Super Sport for five years.
In exchange for quietly increased ticket prices for punters through the gates of Melbourne Park, the event is expected to provide additional live music entertainment and even a circus performance to keep the public satisfied if tennis is not enough.
Though officials trumpeted the fact that ground pass prices remain the equivalent of 21 dollars, other price have shot skyward.
The cheapest seat for the women's final will now cost 205 dollars, up from 123 dollars in 2006. Single session tickets have gone up between nine and 29 percent, according to calculations.
