The additional R500 000 was negotiated between tournament hosts Tennis South Africa and partner Sport and Recreation South Africa.
Ian Smith, CEO of Tennis South Africa and Tournament Director said that it was important to increase the prize money in order to attract a better field of players for the event.
“Our tournament date falls directly in the middle of the European clay court season and with the Soweto Open being played on hard courts, players are reluctant to switch not only surfaces but also hemispheres when planning their schedule.
The additional prize money will allow us to attract a better entry which is always important for a tournament. The better the players that enter the stronger the competition and overall interest in the event.”
The Soweto Open will be played over two weeks with the ATP sanctioned men’s event being played from April 29 to May 4, 2013.
The women’s event, sanctioned by the ITF and WTA will be played from May 6-11, 2013.
Both tournaments will be played at the Arthur Ashe Tennis Complex in Jabavu, Soweto.
Entry is free.
