Champions earn $5.5 million each as tournament boosts player pay amid ongoing talks
The final Grand Slam of the year just got a whole lot richer. On Thursday the United States Tennis Association announced the 2026 US Open will offer a record $108 million in total player compensation.
That figure marks a 20 percent jump from last year’s $90 million and a 44 percent rise over two years. It stands as the largest payout package in tennis history.
Men’s and women’s singles champions will each take home $5.5 million, the highest single-player prize any Grand Slam has ever paid. First-round losers in the main draw will still walk away with $140,000, a 27 percent increase and another Grand Slam record.
Bigger checks across the board
The money reaches deeper into the draw this year. Percentage increases are largest in the early rounds and taper toward the final. Quarterfinalists earn $780,000. Semifinalists collect $1.45 million. Runners-up receive $2.8 million.
Doubles champions (men’s, women’s and mixed) will split $1 million per team. Qualifying players also see raises, with first-round qualifying losers taking $32,000.
USTA CEO Craig Tiley called the package “a significant first step in a multi-year investment in athletes.” He said the US Open aims to remain “the best economic opportunity for players.”
New support fund and player council
Part of the $108 million includes a new $2 million Player Support Program, split evenly between men and women. The money sits in an escrow account while details are finalized with player input. Organizers designed it to help with mid-career needs and retirement transitions beyond existing pensions.
At the same time the four Grand Slams jointly launched a Grand Slam Player Advisory Council. The body will give players a formal voice on issues ranging from prize money to on-court matters. It launches after this year’s tournament.
Players have pressed the majors for a larger share of revenue and better benefits for more than a year. Some limited media appearances at earlier Slams. Leading players welcomed the US Open moves as “important progress.”
Flushing Meadows ready for action
Main-draw singles begin August 30 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The full event runs from August 23 through September 13, including Fan Week and the mixed doubles championship.
Defending champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka return to defend their titles in a field packed with top talent. The record purse guarantees every main-draw player a substantial payday before a ball is even struck.
AI Disclosure: This article was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools and was reviewed and edited by the Glowls News editorial team before publication.