The Hobart International is a staple on the women's circuit, having been held each year since 1994 (exceptions being in 2021 and 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic).
In 2024, it will be one of two key tournaments taking place in the week preceding the Australian Open, running from January 8th to 13th, in the state of Tasmania. And the 32 players in the singles field will battle for $267,082 worth of prize money.
This represents a 3% increase from last year's total purse. The most dominant player since Hobart International became a fully-fledged tour-level event in 2009 is Elise Mertens, who has won this tournament on two occasions.
Mertens will return for the fifth time seeking a third title, and she'll be the top seed in the recently released draw. Defending champion Lauren Davis misses out, possibly due to injury, having been out of action since mid-September.
She'll be joined by the likes of Emma Navarro (second seed), Lin Zhu (third seed), and Xinyu Wang (fourth seed) in a very competitive field. Former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin has accepted a wild card and will be one of two major winners in the field along with Sloane Stephens.
In terms of prize money, the winner will earn $35,250, which is the standard for tournaments at this level in 2024, but still slightly higher than in 2023, when Davis was the champion. The WTA points allocation rule has taken effect this year, which means the champion will receive 250 ranking points.
The runner-up is the second biggest earner during the week in Tasmania. She will pocket $20,830 and 163 points. Semifinalists will bank $11,610 and will be awarded 98 points. Quarterfinalists receive a $6,608 paycheck and 54 points.
Points distribution begins as early as the first round. Those who fail to win a match will still get one point and will be renumerated for their efforts with a paycheck to the tune of $2,890. Be sure to check the complete breakdown in prize money and points for the 2024 Hobart International below.
Points | Prize Money | |
---|---|---|
Winner | 250 points | $35,250 |
Finalist | 163 points | $20,830 |
Semi-finalists | 98 points | $11,610 |
Quarter-finalists | 54 points | $6,608 |
2nd round | 30 points | $4,040 |
1st round | 1 point | $2,890 |