The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced a record $108 million total prize purse for the 2026 US Open, marking the largest payout in tennis history and a 20% increase from last year's $90 million [1, 2, 3]. Men's and women's singles champions will each earn $5.5 million, a 10% rise over 2025 and the highest Grand Slam singles prize ever [1, 2, 3]. The tournament's first-round singles losers will receive $140,000, up 27% from last year and also a Grand Slam record for opening round payouts [1, 2, 4].
The prize money announcement included a $2 million initial commitment to a new US Open Player Support Program. This funding, split equally between male and female players, aims to provide mid-career and retirement benefits to athletes [2, 3, 5]. USTA Chief Executive Craig Tiley said, "This is a significant first step in a multi-year investment in athletes as the U.S. Open continues to be the best economic opportunity for players and the most valuable platform in tennis for players, fans and partners" [6].
The four Grand Slam tournaments have formed a Grand Slam Player Council to give players more input on prize money, governance, and welfare matters [1, 2, 3].
The 2026 US Open singles main draw will start on August 30 and run through September 13 in New York [1, 3, 7]. Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz announced he will return to defend his title after missing over four months due to a wrist injury [8].
Ticket prices have risen sharply, with some ground passes reaching $363. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman criticized the hike, calling the price "absurd" and questioning how it aligns with the USTA’s mission to promote tennis [3, 7].
The tournament will begin with the main singles draw on August 30 in New York, where the historic prize money will be contested [1, 3].
