The US Open will award the largest ever prize fund in the history of Grand Slams amounting to $108 million (£79.2m), which is a 20% rise compared to last year.
Record Distribution
According to US Open in an official statement, the winners of the singles events will get $5.5m (£4.03m) each, representing a 10% rise compared to 2025.
First round losses will bring in $140,000 (£102,667), which is an increase of $30,000 or 27% from the previous year.
Among the various prizes in the fund is $2m (£1.47m) which goes towards a welfare fund which has been asked for by the players from all Grand Slams.
The United States Tennis Association is once again offering the largest player compensation package in professional tennis history, reaching $108 million at the 2026 US Open.https://t.co/c02UThNDot
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 20, 2026
Player Welfare and Representation
Another announcement made by the four Grand Slams together is the establishment of Grand Slam Player Council, which has been one of the main demands from the players who, amongst other things, limited media appearances at the French Open and Wimbledon to 15 minutes to demonstrate their frustrations.
The second most important demand of the players is that 16% of the income of each Grand Slam be reserved for prize money which rises to 22% by 2030.
It is possible that US Open is the first Slam to achieve this, but the financial statement of the US Tennis Association (USTA) for 2025 has not yet been released.
USTA CEO Reacts
USTA CEO Craig Tiley said, “This is a significant first step in a multi-year investment in athletes as the US Open continues to be the best economic opportunity for players and the most valuable platform in tennis for players, fans and partners. We are proud to deliver record-setting prize money and expanded player benefits as well as providing a new platform to work together with players.”
Carlos Alcaraz Boost
Carlos Alcaraz will play his first tournament after a four-month absence due to a wrist injury at the US Open.
The Spaniard won at the Australian Open earlier this year and became the youngest man to claim all four Grand Slams.
But the world number two has not played any official match since 14 April when he injured his right wrist at the Barcelona Open.
