PARIS (AP) — The prize money for the 2024 French Open has increased by about 10%, reaching a total of 61.7 million euros, which is approximately $72.1 million. This rise of 5.3 million euros compared to the previous year aims to improve the financial rewards for participants as the tournament begins on May 24 at Roland Garros in Paris.
Prize Distribution
The champions of the men’s and women’s singles will each receive 2.8 million euros, while the runners-up will take home 1.4 million euros. Semifinalists will earn 750,000 euros, and players eliminated in the first round will receive 87,000 euros.
In the doubles categories, the winners of the men’s and women’s events will each receive 600,000 euros, while the mixed doubles champions will be awarded 122,000 euros.
Tournament Highlights
Last year’s tournament saw Carlos Alcaraz make a remarkable comeback against Jannik Sinner in a thrilling five-set final, while Coco Gauff secured the women’s title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka.
An opening ceremony will take place before the finals, lasting around six minutes and directed by French choreographer Benjamin Millepied.
For the first time, players will be allowed to wear data-collecting devices on the court to monitor their physical performance, as stated by tournament director Amélie Mauresmo.
Player Privacy Concerns
Mauresmo highlighted the importance of player privacy, a topic that was brought up by Iga Swiatek and Gauff during the Australian Open. There were concerns about extensive camera coverage that players felt intruded on their personal space.
“Players need a private area, something which will not change,” Mauresmo said. “No cam access (there).”
Traditions and Innovations
This year’s tournament will not include innovations like the 1 Point Slam introduced at the Australian Open. Mauresmo commented, “Our ambition is not to repeat everything that’s done elsewhere. This is not something that corresponds to us, to the image of Roland Garros.”
Additionally, the French Open will continue using human line judges instead of electronic line-calling systems, despite concerns about their reliability.
“They are not 100% reliable,” Mauresmo acknowledged, “but our decision was to stick to our way.”
Potential Format Changes
Mauresmo expressed openness to the idea of women competing in five-set matches like their male counterparts. She mentioned that discussions would be necessary to explore the feasibility of this change.
“You can’t change a format overnight to go from best of three to best of five,” she noted, highlighting the need for dialogue with female players.
Fan Engagement Initiatives
This year, fans can enjoy a chefs’ garden, Jardin des Chefs, to sample French cuisine near Court Simonne-Mathieu, with 13 French chefs participating daily.
Concorde Square will again feature free big-screen match broadcasts during the tournament’s second week, from June 3-7.
The tournament will also honor retiring French veteran Gaël Monfils and 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka.
Investment in Clay Courts
The French Open remains committed to its clay court identity, with plans for increased investment in both real and synthetic clay courts, which currently make up only 13% of courts in France.
