Tennis fans rejoice! The 2023 edition of the historic French Open has begun, and with plenty of stars heading to France to partake in the prestigious tournament, it’s set to be a blockbuster showing of elite professional tennis.
With current champion and singles record holder Rafael Nadal withdrawing from the contest through injury, the opportunity is there for several talents to take home a Grand Slam title and the small financial fortune that comes with it.
The tournament officially begins on May 22nd – however, the main draw singles will commence on May 28th. The final of the French Open will occur on June 11th, thus officially bringing the spectacle to a close.
As confirmed ahead of the tournament, the total prize money on offer is $71.7 million AUD, meaning there will be plenty of financial rewards to fight for as the whole world tunes in.
Read on to find out about how the prize money will be split at the 2023 French Open, how to watch the event, which Australians are involved and plenty more…
In this French Open story…
French Open 2023 prize money breakdown
With prize money for the 2023 French Open reportedly back to pre-COVID levels, there is a whopping $71.7 million AUD to be spread out amongst the participating players. This represents a huge 13.76% increase from the 2022 edition. The prize money pool will be broken down as follows:
- Winner: $3.7 million
- Runner-Up: $1.8 million
- Semi-finalist: $1.03 million
- Quarter-finalist: $655,150
- Fourth Round: $393,140
- Third Round: $232,590
- Second Round: $158,900
- First Round: $113,000
- Third Round Qualifying: $55,700
- Second Round Qualifying: $36,000
- First Round Qualifying: $26,000
When is the 2023 French Open?
The 2023 French Open will run from Monday 22nd May to Sunday 11th June, 2023.
The French Open is the second grand slam on the tennis calendar and runs for two weeks across May and June.
Where is the 2023 French Open?
The French Open takes place annually at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. The Roland Garros complex, which recognises the pioneering French aviator of the same name, comprises twenty courts and will host singles, doubles and mixed doubles play.
Regarded as the most physically demanding tennis tournament in the world, the French Open remains the only Grand Slam to be played on clay courts, which leads to matches typically featuring slower play and higher bounces.
The Roland Garros was initially constructed in 1928 to host France’s first defence of the Davis Cup and features multiple arenas including:
- Court Philippe Chatrier – 15,225 seats
- Court Suzanne Lenglen – 10,068 seats
- Court Simonne Mathieu – 5,000 seats
The previously used Court 1 (aka the ‘Bullring’) was demolished in 2019 and replaced with Place des Mousquetaires, which is designed for spectators to watch matches on a large screen.
How to watch the 2023 French Open?
For those seated at home and eager to take in all of the drama at the 2023 French Open, every match of the legendary tennis tournament can be enjoyed on Stan Sport. However, the main draw, which will feature world No. 1s Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek battling to retain their rank in the men’s and women’s divisions respectively, will be broadcast live from Sunday 28th May on the Nine Network (9Gem and 9Now).
Which Australian players will be competing at the 2023 French Open?
Australians will be excited to see a strong local contingent representing their country at the upcoming French Open, with nine players entering the main draw prior to the completion of qualifying.
Although Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the entry list thanks to an injury, Australia will still be well-represented as the likes of Alex de Minaur and the returning Alja Tomljanovic look to impact the tournament.
Which Aussies are currently competing in the French Open singles?
Men’s singles
- Alex de Minaur (19)
- Jason Kubler (66)
- Alexei Popyrin (81)
- Christopher O’Connell (82)
- Max Purcell (88)
- Jordan Thompson (91)
- Thanasi Kokkinakis (WC -111)
- Alexander Vukic (95)
- Marc Polmans (194)
Women’s singles
- Ajla Tomljanovic (36)
- Kimberly Birrell (WC -113)
- Jaimee Fourlis (150)
- Olivia Gadecki (153)
- Storm Hunter (202)
- Arina Rodionova (203)
Who won the French Open in 2022?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was Rafael Nadal. The Spanish sensation, who is known as the ‘King of Clay’ thanks to his domination of the French Open over the years, secured a record 14th men’s singles title at the iconic tournament after victory over Casper Ruud in 2022.
RELATED: Rafael Nadal’s Classy Act After French Open Win Is Why He’s The GOAT
Current women’s No. 1, Poland’s Iga Świątek, secured her second women’s singles grand slam at just 20 years of age by defeating fellow young gun, 18-year-old American Coco Gauff. The result would earn Świątek the accolade of being the youngest winner of multiple majors since Maria Sharapova’s win at the 2006 US Open.
As for the Australians at the 2022 French Open, there were no representatives in the men’s singles or women’s singles at the Finals stage of the tournament. Quel dommage.
2022 Men’s Singles
- Winner: Rafael Nadal
- Runner-Up: Casper Ruud
2022 Women’s Singles
- Winner: Iga Świątek
- Runner-Up: Coco Gauff
2022 Men’s Doubles
- Winners: Marcelo Arévalo & Jean-Julien Rojer
- Runners-Up: Ivan Dodig & Austin Krajicek
2022 Women’s Doubles
- Winners: Caroline Garcia & Kristina Mladenovic
- Runners-Up: Coco Gauff & Jessica Pegula
2022 Mixed Doubles
- Winners: Ena Shibahara & Wesley Koolhof
- Runners-Up: Ulrikke Eikeri & Joran Vliegen