US Open Sets New World Record for Prize Money

The 2026 US Open is set to make tennis history with a record-breaking financial package for players.

The United States Tennis Association has announced a total $108 million player compensation package for this year's tournament, the largest in the history of professional tennis. The figure represents a 20% increase from the previous record of $90 million set by the 2025 US Open.

The latest increase also means that total player compensation at the US Open has risen by 44% over two years, making the New York Grand Slam the sport's biggest financial event.

Singles Champions to Earn $5.5 Million

The men's and women's singles champions will each receive $5.5 million, the biggest championship payout ever offered at a tennis tournament.

The runner-up will earn $2.8 million, while each semifinalist will receive $1.45 million. Quarterfinalists will take home $780,000.

The first-round singles payout has also reached a record $140,000, a 27% increase from 2025.

Record Prize Money Across the Tournament

The increases are not limited to the champions.

Players throughout the singles draw will benefit from larger payments, while men's, women's and mixed doubles champions will each receive $1 million per winning team.

The record financial package highlights the US Open's growing commitment to providing greater financial support across the tournament rather than concentrating the largest increases only at the top of the draw.

New Player Support Program

The 2026 US Open has also introduced a new Player Support Program, with an initial commitment of $2 million.

The programme is designed to support players during important stages of their careers and during transitions toward retirement. The initial funding will be split equally between male and female players.

The four Grand Slam tournaments have also announced the creation of a new Grand Slam Player Advisory Council, giving players a stronger voice on sporting, welfare and compensation-related issues.

US Open Continues to Break Its Own Record

The US Open previously set the record with a $90 million player compensation package in 2025. That figure itself was a 20% increase from the $75 million offered in 2024.

Now, just one year later, the tournament has raised the record again to $108 million.

With a record purse, a $5.5 million singles champion prize and a new player-support initiative, the 2026 US Open has established itself as the richest tournament in tennis history.