MELBOURNE: Australian Open’s prize fund for this year has been increased by 16 per cent to A$111.5 million ($74.88 million), which will be the largest prize fund in the tournament’s history. The Australian Open organisers announced on Tuesday, January 6th 2026.
The prize money for the two singles champions has been increased to A$4.15 million from the A$3.5 million which Madison Keys and Jannik Sinner took home last year.
According to Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley, this is a 16 per cent increase. This increase demonstrates their commitment to supporting tennis careers at the entry level.
The qualifying prize money has been boosted by 55 per cent since 2023. Player benefits are also being enhanced. Tennis Australia’s goal is to ensure professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors.
Last year, the largest prize fund of Grand Slams was offered by the US Open with $90 million. Wimbledon’s prize fund for last year was a total of £53.5 million ($72.49 million), and the French Open offered €56.35 million ($66.12 million).
The players in this year’s Australian Open who lose in the first round will walk away with A$150,000. This will be a hike of 14 per cent from 2025; the qualifying rounds will see the biggest hike of almost 16 per cent. The players who lost in the third round of qualifying will earn A$83,500.
The prize fund increase is a part of Tennis Australia’s $135 million investment in the “Summer of tennis,” according to Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley. This increase strengthens tennis’s foundations, ensuring the sport’s commercial growth and long-term health.
The Australian Open will be running from January 18 to February 1 at Melbourne Park.
Prize money breakdown:
Winner: $4.15M (+19%)
Runner-up: $2.15M (+13%)
Semifinalists: $1.25M (+14%)
Quarterfinalists: $750K (+13%)
Fourth round: $480K (+14%)
Third round: $327.75K (+13%)
Second round: $225K (+13%)
First Round: $150K (+14%)
Qualifying per round:
Q1: $40.5K (+16%)
Q2: $57K (+16%)
Q3: $83.5K (+16%)
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