US Open offers biggest prize fund in Grand Slam history

The US Open has announced its most substantial prize fund ever, totaling $108m (£79.2m), a 20% rise from the previous year. Singles champions will earn $5.5m (£4.03m) each, marking a 10% increase from 2025. First-round losers will receive $140,000 (£102,667), a $30,000 and 27% boost from last year. A $2m (£1.47m) contribution to a welfare fund has been added, a demand that players have long held.

The four Grand Slam tournaments have also formed the Grand Slam Player Council, responding to player demands for increased media time and revenue allocation. At the US Open, this target may already be met, though the USTA has not yet released its 2025 financial statement. Despite this, if the anticipated 10% revenue growth from 2024 is considered, the US Open would match the 22% player revenue allocation goal by 2030.

The USTA's CEO, Craig Tiley, views the offer as a "significant first step in a multi-year investment in athletes." Jessica Pegula, currently ranked third, previously criticized the US Open for focusing prize increases primarily on second-round players. This year, prize money is proportionally higher in the first round and mixed doubles, with first-round winners sharing $1m, but first-round prize money doubled for all entrants.

Player representatives had previously asked each Grand Slam to contribute $4m in benefit payments, which the USTA is fulfilling, coming from the overall prize fund. An independent holding account will hold the money for the new US Open player support programme, with the Grand Slam Player Council's input in its development. The council, which will focus on player input into sporting matters at the Grand Slams, is set to launch after the US Open.