US Open offers biggest prize fund in Grand Slam history

The US Open is set to offer the largest prize fund among the four Grand Slam tournaments, with a total of $108 million (£79.2m) up for grabs - a 20% increase from last year. The singles champions will receive $5.5m (£4.03m) each, marking a 10% raise from 2025. First-round losers will take home $140,000 (£102,667), a $30,000 ($27%) boost over the previous year.

The prize pool also includes a $2m (£1.47m) contribution to a welfare fund, a demand players have long been pushing for across all Grand Slams. The four Grand Slam events have jointly announced the formation of a Grand Slam Player Council, another crucial demand from athletes. The Council will be formed after the US Open and focus on player input into sporting matters at the tournaments.

The US Open has reportedly met the player's demand to dedicate 16% of its revenue to prize money, though the USTA has not yet published its 2025 financial statement. If recent growth trends continue, the prize money could align with player expectations. US Open CEO Craig Tiley emphasized that this is a "significant first step in a multi-year investment in athletes."

Jessica Pegula, the world number three, pointed out that last year's prize increase primarily benefited players in the second week, while this year's hike is more generous in the first round and mixed doubles.

Each Grand Slam had requested $4m in benefit payments this year, and the USTA is the first to set aside this money for players, though it will come from the overall prize fund. The funds for the new US Open player support programme will be placed in an independent holding account, with input from the Grand Slam Player Council.