The Australian Open will have a record $30 million prize money pool for the coming January event as organisers respond to player discontent.

There were suggestions last month that players could boycott the tournament if prize money is not increased, particularly for losers in the early rounds.

The prize pool has increased by $4 million from this year, which organisers say is the biggest increase from one year to the next of any tennis tournament and will also make it the richest event in the sport’s history.

“We’re very proud of the fact that we’ve gone to record prize money of $30 million,” tournament director Craig Tiley said.

“We are supporting the lower-ranked players in their quest for compensation.”

Tiley also said Spanish great Rafael Nadal had contacted him on Monday to say he plans on playing in the Australian Open despite injury troubles.