Organizers of the Australian Open announced a record-breaking prize pool for the 2026 tournament on Tuesday, with the total purse rising 16% to Aus. $111.5 million, i. e. US $75 million, i.e. INR 6,75,82,11,900. The increase ensures that the season's first Grand Slam remains one of the most lucrative events in world sport.
The winners of the men’s and women’s singles titles at Melbourne Park will each take home a record Aus $4.15 million, representing a 19% jump from the Aus $3.5 million awarded to champions Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys in 2025.
Tennis Australia has specifically targeted early-round losers and qualifiers in this latest distribution of wealth. Players exiting in the first round of the main draw will now receive Aus $150,000, while those knocked out in the opening round of qualifying will earn Aus $40,500.
Tournament director Craig Tiley noted that qualifying prize money has surged by 55% since 2023. "This 16% increase demonstrates our commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level," Tiley said. "We’re ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors, from rising stars to Grand Slam champions."
The expanded purse follows a big financial year for Tennis Australia, which reported a revenue increase of Aus $102 million in the period ending September 2025. This growth has been attributed to new broadcast deals, revised ticket pricing, and higher commercial income.
Despite a rise in operational expenses, the organization reported a net surplus of Aus $15.8 million. The 2026 investment is part of a broader Aus $135 million commitment to the "Summer of Tennis" intended to strengthen the sport’s commercial foundation and long-term health.
The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions regarding player pay and tour conditions. While Tennis Australia is reportedly finalizing a settlement with the Professional Tennis Players’ Association over antitrust allegations, internal player dynamics remain in flux following Novak Djokovic’s recent withdrawal from the PTPA.
Despite these tensions, the 2026 prize pool positions the Australian Open ahead of Wimbledon’s 2025 purse, though it still trails the US Open, which offered Aus $134 million last year.
The tournament is set to begin on January 18, with Madison Keys already preparing to defend her title. Speaking at the Brisbane International, Keys acknowledged the difficulty of repeating her 2025 success. "I would obviously love a repeat of last year but that's asking for a lot if you're asking to leave the country undefeated," she said.
