Australian Open: Players to lose money for 1st-round pull-out

Simona Halep

Players could forfeit their prize money if they retire from first-round singles matches at the Australian Open, under new rules aimed at limiting the early injury withdrawals which have caused controversy at Grand Slams. Players will also be able to claim 50 per cent of their prize money if they pull out before their first match. Under new rules by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), any Grand Slam player who withdraws after 1200 local time before the tournament draw will still receive 50 percent of first round prize money. Their replacement will get the other 50 percent of the first-round prize money.