text: Prize money at the French Open has been increased by three million euros to over 28 million (£20.2million), the French Tennis Federation has announced. The singles champions will each receive 1.8m euros (£1.3m), around 150,000 euros more than Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova picked up last year. However the tournament, held at Roland Garros and beginning on May 24, remains the Grand Slam with the lowest prize for the singles champion, lagging behind the Australian Open (£1.56m), Wimbledon (£1.7m) and the US Open (£2.03m). Rafael Nadal lifts the trophy above his head after winning the men's singles at Roland Garros last year . Maria Sharapova poses with the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen trophy after beating Simon Halep in last year's final . The main benefactors will be players who go out in the early rounds, with payouts 20 per cent higher for those that go out in the second round than in 2014. Tournament director and French Tennis Federation general director Gilbert Ysern said: 'This notable increase in prize money is part of the four-year plan that was put in place for 2013 until 2016. 'Players eliminated in the first week will be the principal beneficiaries.' A general view of the main Philippe Chatrier court at the Roland Garros complex in Paris .
target: Prize money has been increased to over £20.2million at Roland Garros .
  The men's and women's singles champions will each receive £1.3m .
  The French Open remains the Grand Slam with the lowest top prize .