Even before the start of the 2026 U.S. Open, news broke of a historic record—the organizers confirmed that the tournament’s prize purse would total $108 million. This is 20% more than in 2025, when the prize money reached $90 million.
As “Sport-Express” explained, the increase in the total prize pool will benefit all tournament participants, including those in the qualifying rounds.
Specifically, the prize money is distributed as follows:
– Singles champions (men and women) will each receive $5.5 million (finalists will each receive $2.8 million);
– Winners in doubles and mixed doubles will each receive $1 million per team (finalists will each receive $500,000);
– First-round main-draw participants: $140,000 (+27% by 2025);
– First-round qualifying participants: $32,000 (+16%).
In addition, the United States Tennis Association (USTA), as the tournament organizer, is allocating $2 million for a new program providing financial and retirement support for players, as well as assistance with their transition after retirement.
Pressure from top players
These record-breaking payouts come amid demands from top tennis players (including Yannick Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Arina Sobolenko, and Daniil Medvedev) to increase the share of prize money to 22% of total Grand Slam tournament revenue by 2030—similar to ATP and WTA tournaments. Currently, this share stands at approximately 12–16%.
As Logos Press previously reported, the previous Grand Slam tournament—Wimbledon in London—began with protests by tennis stars due to disagreements with organizers over the prize money distribution system.
Ahead of the 2026 U.S. Open, bookmakers and sports analysts consider world No. 1 Yannick Sinner to be the top favorite in the men’s singles draw. The Italian’s main rival is the reigning 2025 champion, Carlos Alcaraz. Other contenders include Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic, and Daniil Medvedev.
In the women’s singles, Aryna Sabalenka is the top favorite, hoping to win the US Open title for the third consecutive time. Her key rivals include Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina.
But tournaments like this are never without surprises. We’ll be on the lookout for them at the upcoming 2026 U.S. Open.
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