This year’s US Open will become the first tennis event in history to offer $90M in player compensation after organisers announced a significant rise in prize money compared to 12 months ago.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) confirmed on Wednesday that its total compensation package for the Grand Slam has been increased by 20% from $75M to $90M. Both the men’s and women’s singles champions will earn $5M for the first time, which represents a 36% hike on the $3.6 won in 2024. There has been a year-on-year increase in prize money in each round of the event, including the three qualifying rounds. Those who reach at least the semi-final stages are guaranteed to earn a minimum of $1.26M.
The record payout follows calls made by some players for a greater share of revenue generated from Grand Slams to be given to them. Earlier this year, a letter co-signed by a group of players was sent to the major events calling for an increase. Emma Navarro cited “unfair pay ratios” as the reason why she signed the letter. The full list of players was never published in public.
Grand Slams argue that they have increased their prize money pools annually for players in recent years. According to The Guardian, organisers are willing to make certain concessions in order to resolve the dispute around pay, as well as pensions and player representation. One proposal being discussed is a possible player council created specifically for the four Grand Slams, but there is yet to be anything set in stone.
Besides pay, the US Open has confirmed players will receive a travel stipend of $1,000 and two hotel rooms in the official player hotel. A payment of $600 per day will be given to those who decide to stay at a different accommodation. This equates to an overall financial support of $5M. Players will also be entitled to free racquet stringing of up to five racquets per round.
This year’s US Open will get underway on a Sunday for the first time in its history, following in the footsteps of both the French Open and Australian Open. A week before the main draw begins, a revamped mixed doubles event will take place, which will feature a series of top names such as Iga Swiatek, Casper Ruud, Taylor Fritz and Carlos Alcaraz. The winners of that event will earn $1M in prize money.
US Open prize money breakdown
Men’s & Women’s Singles Main Draw
- Champion: $5,000,000
- Runner-Up: $2,500,000
- Semifinalists: $1,260,000
- Quarterfinalists: $660,000
- Round of 16: $400,000
- Round of 32: $237,000
- Round of 64: $154,000
- Round of 128: $110,000
Men’s & Women’s Doubles Main Draw (per team)
- Champions: $1,000,000
- Runners-Up: $500,000
- Semifinalists: $250,000
- Quarterfinalists: $125,000
- Round of 16: $75,000
- Round of 32: $45,000
- Round of 64: $30,000
Mixed Doubles (per team)
- Champions: $1,000,000
- Runners-Up: $400,000
- Semifinalists: $200,000
- Quarterfinalists: $100,000
- Round of 16: $20,000
Men’s & Women’s Singles Qualifying
- Round of 32: $57,200
- Round of 64: $41,800
- Round of 128: $27,500
