Equal pay to begin at French Open

PARIS, March 16 (UPI) -- Officials of the French Open Tennis Tournament Friday decided that men and women will receive the same winner's share.

Both the men's and women's champion will collect $1.33 million, starting this year.

The equal pay decision means the tournament's total purse will be $20 million, an increase of 7.23 percent from last year.

"Equal prize money at the four Grand Slams has now become a non-issue and I couldn't be happier," said former Fed cup captain Billie Jean King on the WTA Tour's Web site. "The WTA Tour has kept this issue on the front burner. All WTA leaders and players in between the lines can stand tall knowing that our voice has been heard. This is a great day for all of us."

A similar move has been announced at Wimbledon.

Money totals will be disclosed before that Grand Slam tournament is played in July.