[TigerTim]

Just a thought, increased prize money for earlier rounds means that there is less chance of oldies to retire, obviously not the likes of Hewitt etc who have a fortune, but journeymen etc. Could this clog up the lower ranks between 50-200 and reduce the chance for youngsters to progress? Or not?

[The Bulldog]

You are referring to the likes of Phau and Rochus who are approaching their early-to-mid thirties but haven't earnt a whole lot through their careers?

I think you're right, they will try and milk it as much as they can. If the increased prize money in grand slams is a trend that continues, there's more motivation for them to hang around in the top one-hundred.

[TigerTim]

Originally Posted by The Bulldog

You are referring to the likes of Phau and Rochus who are approaching their early-to-mid thirties but haven't earnt a whole lot through their careers?

I think you're right, they will try and milk it as much as they can. If the increased prize money in grand slams is a trend that continues, there's more motivation for them to hang around in the top one-hundred.

exactly.

[Mae]

How many players did retire in 2012?

[latso]

That's what you get whenever rising prizes for lower levels is involved - prospectless vultures taking the crumbs off the hands of promising juniors.

Ivo Karlovic made 333K last year playing less than 20 tournaments. I don't see him retiring any soon. Same for a bunch of guys.