Tennis's Richest Prize Pool
US Open Prize Pool Reaches Record $108 Million With New Player Advisory Council
Key Points
Last year's singles champions earned $5 million each, providing a baseline before this year's record $5.5 million prizes for the champions.
Doubles prize provisions include $1 million per winning team for the champions in men's, women's and mixed doubles, with runners-up receiving $500,000.
A Grand Slam Player Advisory Council is being created as a formal channel for direct communication between the four majors and players; it will be established after the US Open and players will be invited to apply.
The US Open prize pool is the largest in tennis history and sits above totals at the other majors, with Wimbledon around $87.5M, the French Open about $71.7M, and the Australian Open about $79.3M.
The US Open 2026 will offer a record $108 million in total prize money, a 20% increase from last year Tri-City Herald. Both men's and women's singles champions will earn $5.5 million each — the highest payout in Grand Slam history Tri-City Herald. The announcement comes after players protested for better compensation at other major tournaments.
Even first-round players will receive $140,000, while semifinalists earn $1.45 million The Independent. The USTA also launched a $2 million player support program and created a new Grand Slam Player Council to give athletes a voice in major tournament decisions.
Record Prize Money Crushes Other Grand Slams
The US Open's $108 million prize pool is now the largest in tennis history Tri-City Herald. It surpasses Wimbledon ($87.5 million), the Australian Open ($79.3 million), and the French Open ($71.7 million) Tri-City Herald. Last year, US Open singles champions earned $5 million each.
Prize increases stretch across all levels. Quarterfinal players get $780,000, while runners-up earn $2.8 million The Independent. Doubles winners now split $1 million per team, and wheelchair singles champions receive $104,000.
Player Protests Sparked the Record Payouts
Professional tennis players complained about unfair compensation at Wimbledon and the French Open The Independent. Their public demands for better treatment pushed the USTA to act. The 20% jump reflects growing pressure from athletes who say major tournaments profit from their performances.
The total increase from 2024 to 2026 reaches 44%, far outpacing inflation Tri-City Herald. This aggressive spending signals the USTA's commitment to keeping the US Open as tennis's most lucrative event.
New Player Council Gets Permanent Voice
The USTA announced a Grand Slam Player Advisory Council to give athletes direct input on tournament decisions The Independent. Players will be invited to apply after this year's US Open concludes. The council will operate across all four major tournaments.
The $2 million player support program complements the prize money increase Tri-City Herald. Funds are split equally between men's and women's players. Together, these moves aim to address long-standing player concerns about welfare and influence.
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