The US Open will offer a record $108 million in total prize money at this year’s final Grand Slam of the tennis season, marking the largest purse in the history of the sport.
The announcement was made on Thursday and comes amid growing calls from players for a larger share of Grand Slam tournament revenues.
Singles Champions to Earn $5.5 Million
The men’s and women’s singles champions at the August 23 to September 13 tournament in New York will each receive $5.5 million.
The amount represents a 10% increase from last year and is the largest prize awarded to a main-draw singles champion at any Grand Slam.
First-Round Prize Money Rises 27%
The US Tennis Association (USTA) also announced a record payout for first-round singles losers.
First-round prize money will increase by 27% to $140,000, providing a significant boost to players competing in the early stages of the tournament.
Players Have Called for Greater Revenue Share
The increase comes after top players pushed for a larger share of the revenues generated by Grand Slam tournaments.
Players have argued that their compensation at the four Grand Slam events should be more closely aligned with the share they receive at ATP and WTA tournaments.
Sinner and Sabalenka Led Media Protest
Top players including Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka took part in a protest at the French Open and Wimbledon this year by limiting their pre-tournament media appearances to 15 minutes.
The 15-minute limit was intended to represent the approximate 15% of tournament revenue that Grand Slams have historically allocated to player prize money on average.
$2 Million Player Support Programme
The USTA’s announcement also includes a new Player Support Program, backed by an initial $2 million commitment in 2026.
The funding will be divided equally between male and female players and is intended to provide additional support alongside the increased prize money.
Players Welcome US Open Increase
Leading ATP and WTA players welcomed the announcement, describing the changes as important progress in discussions with the US Open over the past 18 months.
However, players stressed that the increase does not yet establish an agreed revenue-sharing formula.
They said they remain committed to the principle of revenue sharing and will continue discussions with all four Grand Slam tournaments.
Grand Slam Player Council Created
The prize-money announcement comes shortly after the sport’s four Grand Slam tournaments announced the creation of a Grand Slam Player Council.
The council is expected to give players a greater voice on issues affecting the sport, including prize money and other tournament-related matters.
The record US Open purse represents a major increase in player compensation while negotiations over a broader revenue-sharing model continue.