Two-time Australian Open champion Pete Sampras will be making a rare Grand Slam appearance in January 2014 as he’s slated to present the Australian Open men’s trophy to the champion. Australian Open organizers announced that they’ve increased the total prize money to $31 million, an increase of $2.8 million from the 2013 edition.
Sampras won a total of 14 Grand Slam singles titles during his years on the professional tour, two of those came from the Australian Open which he won in 1994 and 1997. This marks his first appearance in this event since his farewell participation back in 2002.
“It’s fantastic to have him actually leave home and go to a grand slam – we know we’re going to be the envy of the US Open, Wimbledon and Roland Garros to get Pete down here, to celebrate his success and join us for the final week,” said tournament director and new Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley at the launch of the 2014 event on Tuesday.
