US Open Offers Record $108 Million Prize Fund in Grand Slam History

The US Open will feature the largest prize fund in Grand Slam history at $108 million, marking a 20 per cent increase from the previous year, according to official tournament announcements. The total purse represents a significant surge from the $90 million awarded in 2025 and a 44 per cent jump over the $75 million total distributed in 2024, as reported by Man of Many.

Prize Money Breakdown Across Rounds

Singles champions at the tournament will collect a record-breaking $5.5 million payday, which is a 10 per cent increase year-over-year from the $5 million awarded in 2025, according to Man of Many. First-round singles competitors will pocket $140,000 just for stepping onto the court, rising from $110,000 in 2025 and $100,000 in 2024.

According to BBC Sport, the percentage increase for this tournament is highest in the first round and falls in every subsequent round, targeting better financial support for lower-ranked tour professionals. This adjustment follows criticisms from players such as world number three Jessica Pegula, who highlighted in March that previous increases primarily benefited players reaching the second week.

Player Support Program and Governance Changes

The United States Tennis Association has committed an additional $2 million to a new Player Support Program designed to fund benefits and complement pension schemes, according to Man of Many. Player representatives had asked each Grand Slam to contribute $4 million in benefit payments, and the USTA became the first to ring-fence this money out of the overall prize fund, as reported by BBC Sport.

Chief executive Craig Tiley described the financial offer as a significant first step in a multi-year investment in athletes, according to BBC Sport. Furthermore, all four Grand Slams confirmed the establishment of a joint Player Advisory Council following 18 months of negotiations, providing athletes with a formal voice in tournament governance, as reported by Man of Many.

Players look forward to building on today’s positive announcements and ensuring the Council develops into a genuinely representative and effective forum for player consultation.

Player Representatives

The money for the player support programme will be placed in an independent holding account while details are finalized with input from the Grand Slam Player Council, according to BBC Sport. The main draw of the US Open is scheduled to begin on Sunday, August 30.