US Open 2026 prize money explained: How much can Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff and other tennis stars earn?

Carlos Alcaraz injury update (Getty Images)

The US Open 2026 is set to offer record prize money, with the United States Tennis Association announcing a total player compensation package of $108 million. That is a 20 percent increase from the $90 million prize pool at the 2025 tournament. The increase will benefit players across the draw. The singles champions will receive $5.5 million each, while first-round losers will earn a record $140,000. The US Open will therefore remain the highest-paying Grand Slam for singles champions when the tournament begins on August 30.

US Open 2026 prize money: How much can the champions take home?

The biggest headline is the $5.5 million prize for the men’s and women’s singles champions. That is an increase from the $5 million paid to the 2025 champions, Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka. If Alcaraz successfully defends his title, he will once again have the chance to collect one of the biggest prizes in tennis. On the women’s side, the eventual champion will also receive $5.5 million. The figure puts the US Open ahead of the other three Grand Slam tournaments. Wimbledon offers $4.9 million to its singles champions. The French Open champions receive $3.3 million, while the Australian Open winners earn $2.9 million. The increases are not limited to the champions. A player reaching the singles semifinals will earn $1.45 million. Quarterfinalists will receive $780,000. The runners-up will take home $2.8 million. The first-round payout has also reached a historic level. Every player who enters the 128-player singles main draw will receive at least $140,000. This represents a 27 percent increase and is the highest first-round Grand Slam payment in tennis history. Qualifying players will also receive more money. The first-round qualifying payout has increased by 16 percent to $32,000. The doubles events have received a significant boost as well. The men’s, women’s and mixed doubles champions will receive $1 million per team. The runners-up will earn $500,000. Wheelchair tennis is also included in the increased compensation package. The singles champions will receive $104,000.

United States Tennis Association introduces new Player Support Program

The USTA has also introduced a new Player Support Program. The initiative will begin with an initial $2 million commitment. The amount will be split equally between men’s and women’s players. The programme is designed to complement existing pension funds. It will provide additional support for players during important stages of their careers, including mid-career life events and retirement transitions.

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The US Open stated the programme will be available to main draw singles and doubles competitors without relying on ranking tiers. “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,” tournament director Craig Tiley said. The tournament will also work with the newly formed Grand Slam Player Council on the player support programme. With $108 million available, the US Open 2026 will offer the biggest financial package in the tournament’s history.

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