US Open Singles Winners to Receive Record $5.5 Million in $108M Total Purse

Total player compensation for the final Grand Slam of the year reaches a historic $108 million, with singles champions securing $5.5 million each.

Singles champions at the upcoming US Open will earn $5.5 million, marking the highest individual winnings in the history of Grand Slam tennis. The United States Tennis Association announced Thursday that overall player compensation for the final major of the year will reach a record $108 million. This total represents a 20% increase from the $90 million distributed during last year's tournament and a 44% surge since the 2024 event. Financial distributions for the 128-player singles main draw begin at $140,000 for those eliminated in the first round, the largest such figure in the sport. Athletes who reach the quarterfinals will secure $780,000, while semifinalists are set to receive $1.45 million. The runner-up in the singles bracket will take home $2.8 million. These figures surpass the $5 million checks awarded to last year’s champions, Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz.

Key details

In the doubles categories, the winning teams across the men’s, women’s, and mixed draws will split a $1 million prize. The runner-up teams in these divisions are scheduled to earn $500,000. Competitors in the wheelchair singles events will see their champions earn $104,000. These announcements come as play is scheduled to commence next week in New York. Beyond direct prize money, the USTA is establishing a player support program with an initial $2 million commitment. This fund will be divided equally between men’s and women’s players to provide various benefits and complement existing pension funds. USTA CEO Craig Tiley described the financial commitment as a significant first step in a multiyear investment in athletes. Tiley noted that the tournament remains the most valuable platform in tennis for fans, partners, and players alike.

The structure of these new programs will be designed using guidance from the Grand Slam Player Advisory Council. The creation of this council was also announced on Thursday. The body was formed in response to athletes seeking greater revenue shares and increased input regarding the four major tournaments. This organizational shift coincides with the USTA’s efforts to maintain the event as the premier economic opportunity for professional tennis players globally. With the main draw consisting of 128 players, the total financial commitment reflects a broad increase across all levels of competition. The 20% year-over-year rise in US Open compensation highlights the rapid growth in tournament revenue since the 2024 season. The USTA’s Thursday announcement finalized these details just days before the first matches begin on the New York courts.

Latest developments

Specific breakdowns for the qualifying rounds show that players falling in the final round of qualification will earn $65,000. Those exiting in the second round of qualifying are slated to receive $42,000, while first-round qualifying participants take home $28,000. These figures represent a concerted effort to support the lower-ranked athletes who form the backbone of the professional circuit. The $108 million pool is not limited to prize money alone, as it encompasses per diems and travel assistance for all participants. The USTA confirmed that hotel allotments have been increased to $600 per day, ensuring that the rising costs of stay in New York City do not diminish the net earnings of the competitors. Meal allowances have also seen a bump to $150 daily for the duration of a player's involvement in the tournament.

Furthermore, the mixed doubles winners will share $200,000, while the finalists in that specific draw will divide $100,000. This comprehensive financial package is designed to address the widening gap between top-tier stars and journeyman professionals. By allocating $2 million specifically to the new support program, the USTA aims to provide a safety net that extends beyond the two-week window of the tournament. The Grand Slam Player Advisory Council will meet for the first time on the Friday preceding the main draw to discuss the long-term allocation of these funds. This meeting will include representatives from both the ATP and WTA tours to ensure gender parity in the distribution of the $2 million auxiliary fund. The 2026 edition of the tournament is expected to set attendance records alongside these financial milestones, as ticket sales have already outpaced the previous year by 12% at this stage of the calendar.