SYDNEY. Sept 8: Australian tennis officials are considering naming Melbourne Park’s Centre Court after Grand Slam great Rod Laver, reports AFP.

Australian Open chief executive Paul McNamee said Wednesday governing body Tennis Australia was deciding whether to follow the lead set at the French Open and US Open venues which have named snow courts after national tennis greats.

McNamee, the tournament director of the Australian Open grand slam, said Laver, now 61. was his first choice.

"My personal preference is that it should be the Rod Laver Centre Court because he is regarded as the greatest to have played and he won two Grand Slams" in 1962 and 1969. McNamee told Australian Associated Press in New York.

The USTA Tennis Centre named its new main court after the late Arthur Ashe, who won the 1968 US Open, the first in the open era. and 1975 Wimbledon titles.

At Roland Garros, the No. 1 court is named after French great Suzanne Lenglen.

Margaret Court’s name has also been mentioned as a possibility for Melbourne Park.

Now 57. Court, won a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles, including 11 Australian Opens. 19 doubles and 19 mixed doubles.

McNamee told a press conference total prize money for next year's Australian Open would increase marginally from last year's 11.75 million dollars (7.63 million US).