Tennis pros hoping to parlay their winnings into property could snap up one of these homes, depending on how deep into the competition they go.
The winners of the men’s and women's singles in the Australian Open this year are set to pocket $4.15 million – a figure that’s 19% higher than last year’s prize.
That’s almost five times the median Australian home value, meaning there are plenty of options for a buyer who’s suddenly flush with that much cash.
Reaching the final will result in a $2.15 million windfall, while semi-finalists will win $1.25 million and quarter-finalists take home $750,000.
Even players who bow out in the first round still get $150,000 for turning up, benefiting from a monster $111.5 million prize pool.
The total amount of money on offer was 16% higher than last year – almost double the rate that Australian house prices rose in the same time.
Whether it's a plush pad to relax between comps or simply a savvy investment, these properties present a prime place for players to park their prize money.
First round - $150,000
While a budget of $150,000 won’t go that far in the Australian housing market, it’s still enough to secure an affordable investment property in the heart of Melbourne.
This unit at 403A/71 Riversdale Road, Hawthorn is advertised for just $120,000 to $130,000, but there’s a catch – it’s student-only rental accommodation.
This unit in a student-only rental building in Hawthorn is advertised for $120,000 to $130,000. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
However, given the high rental yields on student accommodation amid a chronic undersupply of affordable rental properties, low-priced apartments could offer a steady stream of rent payments – ideal for supplementing the highly variable income earned on the pro tour.
Second round - $225,000
Making it through to the second round ups the prize money to $225,000, but to find a freestanding house with that budget, players would need to search in the affordable towns and suburbs across regional Australia.
One town that fits the bill is Mount Isa in outback Queensland, where this tidy three-bedroom house on a 673sqm block is on the market for $220,000.
Players who make it to the second round of the Australian Open could buy this Mount Isa home with their winnings. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
While Mount Isa is a remote city built around a major lead, silver, copper and zinc mine, it does have some tennis significance.
It’s where former world no. 1 tennis player and back-to-back US Open winner Pat Rafter grew up and first discovered his love for the game that would propel him to stardom.
Third round - $327,750
Tennis pros looking to escape the flash of the cameras on the pro tour could do worse than this resort-style unit at Coffs Harbour.
The one-bedroom villa is tucked away in the palm tree-filled grounds of the Aanuka Beach Resort, which overlooks the picturesque Diggers Beach.
While it can’t be owner-occupied permanently, it would be ideal for resting and recharging between tournaments, and the resort includes an all-important tennis court for getting back into the swing of things.
A unit at this beach resort could provide a place to rest and recover as well as a lucrative income stream. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
The holiday rental yielded a gross rental return of $63,101 in the last financial year, according to the list, which could help tennis players pay for the flights and accommodation required to compete on the pro tour.
It’s on the market for $340,000, which is just a little bit more than the prize money awarded for making it to the third round of the Australian Open.
Fourth round - $480,000
This oversized one-bedroom apartment in the Melbourne CBD would make the perfect pad for a tennis pro cashed up with $480,000 in winnings from reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open.
Ideal as a lock-up-and-leave property for players jet-setting about the globe, the modern apartment offers sweeping city views through huge windows, which also flood the living space with natural light.
This Melbourne apartment would make an ideal city base for a globetrotting tennis pro. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
But the best part is it’s just a short stroll to Melbourne Park, home of the Australian Open.
It’s on the market now with a $450,000 to $490,000 price guide.
Quarter final - $750,000
Players who make it to the Australian Open quarter final take home $750,000 in prize money, and what could be a better way to spend it than on a tennis court?
This 4231sqm property in Kangaroo Flat in Bendigo doesn’t include a house, but it does include a full-size tennis court surrounded by lush gardens and manicured lawns. It’s on the market with a $700,000 to $770,000 price guide.
Australian Open quarter final prize money is enough to afford this tennis court on a picturesque one-acre block. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
For buyers looking for somewhere nearby to live, the neighbouring four-bedroom house on a 4107sqm block, which also includes a pond and a robot lawn mower, is also for sale with a $900,000 to $990,000 price guide.
Semi-final - $1.25 million
Getting to the final four of the Australian Open would earn a player $1.25 million, and while that might not be enough for a home with a tennis court in a capital city, it could be enough for a courtside home on Tasmania’s east coast.
This unique beachside home is hidden away on Tasmania's east coast. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Listed for offers over $1.25 million, this three-bedroom house offers panoramic ocean views on one side, and mountain views on the other, as well as a private tennis court.
The quiet seaside community of Falmouth would make a peaceful place for a semi-finalist to slip away from the limelight until it’s time for another run for a grand slam trophy.
Final - $2.15 million
Nothing quite says success like home by the ocean, and this beachfront Gold Coast apartment delivers.
A beachside unit seems like a sensible buy for a tennis player with $2.15 million to spend. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
With uninterrupted ocean views from panoramic windows, this year’s Australian Open runner up could take in a sunrise over the sea every day from the comfort of their living room – not a bad consolation prize after coming just short of a grand slam victory.
It's positioned footsteps from the sand and right in the centre of the action on Main Beach - and the complex includes a tennis court, which naturally has ocean views as well.
Champion - $4.15 million
The winner of the Australian Open will take home $4.15 million in prize money, and investing the winnings into a trophy home seems like the logical next step.
Winning the Australian Open would result in multimillion-dollar payday – just about enough to afford this Mornington Peninsula mansion. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
This grand estate in Mount Eliza is on the market with a price guide of $4.15 million to $4.565 million, putting it within reach of a grand slam champion looking to make their mark on one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most prestigious suburbs.
The 1864-built home features dramatic views over Port Phillip Bay also includes a swimming pool, three-car garage, and of course, a full-size tennis court.
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