Grand Slam prize money has grown dramatically in recent years, and the 2026 US Open just set a new benchmark with a record $108 million total purse. Here’s how that money actually breaks down for players.
## The 2026 US Open Purse
Singles champions on both the men’s and women’s side will each earn $5.5 million, part of a broader payout structure that also significantly increased earnings for players who exit in the early rounds. The roughly 19 percent year-over-year increase followed a public dispute between players and Grand Slam organizers over how tournament revenue should be shared.
## How Grand Slam Payouts Work
– Champions receive the largest single payout, but the total purse is spread across all rounds of the singles, doubles and mixed events
– Early-round losers now receive meaningfully higher base payouts than in past years, reducing the financial risk of a first-round exit
– Doubles and mixed doubles events, along with wheelchair and junior competitions, also receive dedicated prize pools
## How the Majors Compare
Prize money varies across the four Grand Slams, with the US Open’s 2026 purse representing one of the largest single-tournament payouts in tennis history. The Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon each set their own prize structures independently, though all four majors have trended toward higher overall payouts in recent years amid similar pressure from players.
## Why the Increase Happened Now
The jump followed the announcement of a new Grand Slam Player Advisory Council, giving players a more direct voice in future prize money negotiations. This mirrors broader conversations across the sport about how players are compensated relative to tournament revenue growth.
## Beyond Prize Money
Prize money is only part of how top players earn a living, with endorsements and appearance fees often contributing significantly more to a player’s total income. For more on the sport’s growing revenue picture, see our US Open 2026 schedule and draw guide for full details on this year’s record-setting event.