The Australian Open will be the second most lucrative of the world’s four major tennis tournaments by lifting prizemoney for the 128 men’s and women’s players to a record A$111.5 million (US$74.7 million) in 2026.
Tennis Australia, the governing body for the sport in Australia, said this was a 16% increase on the $96.5 million paid in 2025, which was the 120th year it was played.
“This investment reflects Tennis Australia’s commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level – from rising stars to Grand Slam champions – and ensuring the sport remains sustainable for all competitors,” the governing body said in a media release.
The prize money uplift is part of Tennis Australia’s $135 million investment across the ‘Summer of Tennis’, reinforcing the commitment to support hundreds of professional athletes’ careers.
CEO Craig Tiley said the prizemoney increase for the tournament from 12 January to 1 February demonstrated Tennis Australia’s commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level.
“From boosting qualifying prize money by 55% since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we’re ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors,” Tiley said.
“This investment strengthens tennis’s foundation, ensuring the sport’s long-term health and commercial growth.
“By supporting players at all levels, we’re building deeper talent pools and more compelling storylines for fans.”
The US Open has the largest prize pool of US$90 million in 2025, followed by Wimbledon ($72–73 million in 2025) in third place and the French Open ($65–66 million in 2025) in fourth.
Prize Money Breakdown
Winner: $4.15m (+19%)
Runner-up: $2.15m (+13%)
Semi-finalists: $1.25m (+14%)
Quarter-finalists: $750,000 (+13%)
Fourth round: $480K,000 (+14%)
Third round: $327,750 (+13%)
Second round: $225,000 (+13%)
First Round: $150K,000 (+14%)
Qualifying per round: Q1 - $40,5000 (+16%), Q2 - $57,000 (+16%), and Q3 - $83,500
