Kia extends Australian Open sponsorship deal

South Korean car manufacturer Kia has signed a deal to extend its sponsorship of the Australian Open until 2018.

Kia has been associated with the Melbourne Grand Slam since 2002 and has put pen to paper on a multi-million deal to take the partnership into a 17th year.

Tennis Australia chief executive Steve Wood expressed his delight that a long-term deal had been agreed.

He told reporters: "We are delighted to confirm the deal. To our knowledge, Kia will now be the longest and biggest Asian-based sponsor of sport in Australian history."

The Australian Open hit the headlines before a ball had been struck this season by announcing that it would offer a record prize pool of £19.3m at the 2013 event.