The US Open is set to offer the biggest prize in Grand Slam tennis history, with the 2026 singles champions taking home $5.5 million each as the total player compensation for the tournament rises to a record $108 million.The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced the prize-money structure on Thursday, ahead of the tournament’s start next week. The overall purse represents a 20% increase from last year and a staggering 44% jump since 2024, underlining the growing financial scale of the final Grand Slam of the season.The singles champions’ payout has risen from the $5 million earned by Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka in 2025. Even players who lose in the first round of the 128-player singles main draw will receive a record $140,000.
Record payouts across the draw
The increase extends throughout the singles draw, with the quarterfinalists set to earn $780,000 and semifinalists receiving $1.45 million. The runners-up will take home $2.8 million, meaning the two singles champions will each earn nearly twice as much as the losing finalists.Doubles players will also benefit from the increased purse. The winning teams in the men’s, women’s and mixed doubles competitions will split $1 million, while the runners-up will share $500,000. The wheelchair singles champions will receive $104,000.The USTA has also announced a new player support programme, with an initial commitment of $2 million to be divided equally between men’s and women’s players. The programme will provide additional benefits and complement existing pension funds.USTA CEO Craig Tiley described the move as an important step in strengthening the financial support available to players.“This is a significant first step in a multi-year investment in athletes as the U.S. Open continues to be the best economic opportunity for players and the most valuable platform in tennis for players, fans and partners,” Tiley said.
Players get greater voice amid revenue focus
The announcement comes at a time when player compensation and their involvement in Grand Slam decision-making have come under increased scrutiny. The USTA’s new programme will be developed with guidance from the Grand Slam Player Council, whose creation was also announced Thursday.The council is intended to give players a greater voice in discussions around the four Grand Slam tournaments, including compensation and player welfare.“Having a seat at the table with the Grand Slams is something we have wanted for some time, so I’m really pleased to see this council come together,” American player Ben Shelton said. “It gives us, as players, a real opportunity to have a voice, contribute to the conversation and help shape the tournaments beyond what happens on the court.”The 2026 US Open begins on August 23 and concludes with the men’s singles final on September 13. Alcaraz is the defending men’s champion, while Sabalenka enters as the women’s champion for the second consecutive year.
