French Open to award equal prize money to women and men

The French Open will award equal prize money to all women and men players across the board in all events, the organisers announced. "It has been our objective since 2005. Last year, the first step was to award equal rewards to the winners of the men's...

The French Open will award equal prize money to all women and men players across the board in all events, the organisers announced.

"It has been our objective since 2005. Last year, the first step was to award equal rewards to the winners of the men's and women's singles.

"In 2007, the parity will be total," said French Federation chairman Christian Bimes in a statement.

The French Open is the last of the four grand slam tournaments to make the move.

Prize money will total €15,264,500 ($20.33 million), an increase of 7.23 per cent, with the winners of the men's and women's singles receiving €1,000,000.

"Its very good news for women's tennis and for women in general terms. As a Frenchwoman, I'm happy and proud the French Open organisers took such a decision," said France's number one Amelie Mauresmo.

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