US Open prize money announced with record big checks for ATP and WTA winners
The US Open is set to offer the biggest prize money ever in Grand Slam history, as top ATP and WTA tennis stars compete in the last big tournament of the year.
After the Cincinnati Open wraps up, all eyes will be on the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows. The main singles matches for both men and women will kick off on August 30.
Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka are the defending US Open champions, each having won their second titles at this hard-court event last year.
Alcaraz missed the French Open and Wimbledon because of a wrist injury he got at the Barcelona Open in April. Many wondered if he’d make it to Flushing Meadows. But on Thursday, the Spanish player confirmed he’s back and ready to compete at the US Open. He’s aiming to win his second Grand Slam of the year after taking home the Australian Open trophy in February.
He’s one of the favorites along with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, although Alcaraz’s participation is still unsure after missing the Cincinnati Masters due to a knee injury. Sabalenka, despite losing in the last 16 at Cincinnati, is confident about defending her title. Meanwhile, the ATP world No. 1 is also chasing big prize money on the sport’s biggest stage.
This year’s US Open prize fund is the largest ever in a Grand Slam, with a total of $108 million (£79.2 million) up for grabs—20% more than last year. The singles winners will each earn $5.5 million (£4.03 million). Even players who lose in the first round will get $140,000 (£102,667), which is $30,000 (27%) higher than last year.
Importantly, the prize money includes a $2 million (£1.47 million) contribution to a player welfare fund—a demand made by leading players to all Grand Slams.
Here’s a quick look at the prizes for different rounds:
– Champion: $5,500,000
– Finalist: $2,800,000
– Semi-finalist: $1,450,000
– Quarter-finalist: $780,000
– Round of 16: $480,000
– Round of 32: $290,000
– Round of 64: $190,000
– Round of 128: $140,000
The huge prize money gives players even more reason to push themselves and go far in the tournament. But how does the US Open compare to the other Grand Slams in 2026?
At the Australian Open, winners Elyna Rybakina and Carlos Alcaraz took home $4.15 million (US $2.79 million, £2.07 million), with a total prize pool of $111.5 million (US $74.9 million, £57.5 million).
The French Open offered winners Alexander Zverev and Mirra Andreeva €2.8 million (£2.3 million), with the lowest total prize money of all four Slams at €61.7 million (£53.7 million).
Wimbledon, possibly the most famous tennis tournament, had a total prize fund of £64.2 million. Champions Jannik Sinner and Linda Noskova earned a big £3.6 million each.
With tennis growing fast, we can expect these prize amounts to keep rising in the years ahead!