Indian Wells and Miami Open Prize Money Update: Huge Drop Acts as Massive Blow for Top ATP and WTA Players

A few weeks ago it was announced that Indian Wells and Miami Open will have higher prize money in 2024 than the last edition. But there has been a significant dip in the winner’s prize amount at the Indian Wells and Miami Open this year. This has stirred up a major debate among tennis fans. 

Prize money in tennis events has been a hot topic over the last few years. Although the four major tournaments pay men and women equally. However, there has been a significant difference in prize money at various ATP and WTA events. Now, there is now a rise in gap differences in the prize money slab for the ‘Sunshine Double’ events.

Why is there a major gap in the prize money this year at the Indian Wells and Miami Open?

As per the organizers of the tournament, the Indian Wells which will be held in March this year will offer a total of $19 million in prize money. It’s the most of any combined WTA and ATP Masters 1000 events. The figure is an increase of more than $1.4 M from the last year.

As per reports, the most additional money will be given to the singles players competing in qualifying through the second round. This has led to a significant decrease in prize money for singles champions, finalists, semifinalists of the tournament. Qualifying and early rounds prize money have jumped significantly, especially at the Indian Wells in 2024. Last year’s winner at the Indian Wells and Miami Open got $1,262,220. But this time it has gone down to $1,100,000. Here are some more changes that have been made to the prize money.

This change has been a boon for some players and a bane for others. Indian Wells and the Miami Open are a series of two elite tennis events that are held consecutively on the hard courts in the US. This year will mark 50 years since the foundation of the Indian Wells. Let’s know a little bit more about this historic event.

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Indian Wells is often regarded as the ‘Fifth Grand Slam’ for its popularity among tennis fans

Roughly 450,000 fans attended the 2023 edition of the tournament. This year, the tournament is set to commence from March 6 to 17 at Indian Wells, California. Indian Wells Tennis Garden has the second largest permanent stadium in the world. It’s placed just after Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

Here’s what Steve Christian, COO of the BNP Paribas Open, said about this year’s event: “Each year, we evaluate every aspect of our event. From prize money to scheduling to amenities and facilities – to ensure a top-tier experience for players and fans. This year, we are proud to be dedicating record prize money. And, are highly focused on compensating all of the players competing in the BNP Paribas Open.“

This year’s schedule will feature all QF days on March 14. On this day, all eight QF matches will be played accordingly. A few months back Indian Wells was voted the ATP Masters and WTA 1000 Tournament of the Year for the 9th time in a row. Are you ready to witness some of the biggest stars of the game at the ‘Sunshine Double’ tournaments?

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