Crisis, what crisis? US Open prize fund up $1m

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The winners of this year’s US Open crowns will land a record $1.6 million as the prize fund for the last major of the year rose by $1 million for the third year in succession.

Despite the worldwide recession, tournament organisers have announced that the total kitty at Flushing Meadows will be $21.6 million, viewed by many as the latest swipe in the informal prize money war between tradition-rich Wimbledon and the brash-cash New York event.

Should the winner of the Series go on to win the US Open, they will land a $1m bonus…

All all of that is in addition to any potential prize money from the hard-court prelude to the Open, the US Open Series, which kicks off in Indianapolis on July 19. The six-week series, now in its sixth year and incorporating ten ATP and WTA tournaments across the US and Canada, offer a cumulative $30m in prize money.

And should the winner of the Series go on to win the US Open – as Roger Federer did in 2007 – they will land a $1 million bonus payment, making the final potentially the most lucrative payday in the sport. Second and third-placed Series finishers are also set to receive bonuses.

Wimbledon payed out a total of $20.5 million at this year’s event.

Meanwhile, with the grass court season over thoughts have turned to the contenders for the US Open crown – not least among the bookies.

In the men’s draw, defending champ Roger Federer is currently on offer at 6-4, followed by Andy Murray and then – despite not picking up a racket since pulling out of the Championships – Rafael Nadal.

The Spaniard, who would complete his career slam with victory in New York, is currently available at 4-1 as he plots his return to the tour at the Rogers Cup in Montreal on August 10.

But if you were impressed with Andy Roddick’s second coming, the 2003 champ is currently available at a tempting 12-1 with William Hill.

On the women’s side Serena Williams is free and clear at 2-1, ahead of sister Venus at 9-2 and the chasing pack. World No.1 Dinara Safina’s reputation for choking on the big occasion has priced her out at 10-1, behind former champ Maria Sharpova at 7-1.