US Open Singles Champs To Get Record $2.6 Million

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) — The 2013 U.S. Open singles champions will earn a record $2.6 million apiece this year.

That's part of the across-the-board prize money overhaul at the Grand Slam tennis tournament the U.S. Tennis Association is announcing Wednesday.

A player who loses in the first round of singles at Flushing Meadows will make $32,000, a jump of 39 percent from last year's $23,000.

Players who exit in the second round will get $53,000, a rise of 43 percent, the USTA says.

Last year's singles champions, Serena Williams and Andy Murray, won $1.9 million.

The total payout, including per diems for players, will be $34.3 million, up from $25.5 million in 2012.

Play starts at the U.S. Open on Aug. 26.