Seven-figure winners purses at U.S. Open

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., June 19 (UPI) -- For the first time in Grand Slam history, both the men's and women's singles champions will receive $1 million at the 2003 U.S. Open.

The USTA said U.S. Open prize money will exceed $17 million, with the singles champions reaching the $1 million mark. The men's and women's doubles champions will receive $400,000.

"The increase in prize money to record levels reaffirms our commitment to the top singles and doubles players in the world who make the two weeks of the U.S. Open the showcase event for tennis in the U.S.," said USTA Chairman of the Board and President Alan Schwartz.

It will be the 30th anniversary of the tournament becoming the first Grand Slam to offer equal prize money to both men and women.

The record-setting 2003 purse includes over $10 million in main draw singles prize money, an eight percent increase. Total prize money is up $1 million, a six percent increase. The total purse is $17.074 million.