Australian Open prize fund reaches record $75 million

The prize fund for this year's Australian Open has been increased by 16% to AUD$111.5 million (€64m), making it the largest purse in the tournament's history, organisers announced on Tuesday. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The prize fund for this year's Australian Open has been increased by 16% to AUD$111.5 million (€64m), making it the largest purse in the tournament's history, organisers announced on Tuesday.

The two singles champions will each pocket AUD$4.15m (€2.3M), up from the AUD$3.5m (€2m) which Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys took home last year.

"This 16% increase demonstrates our commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level," said Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley.

"From boosting qualifying prize money by 55% since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we're ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors."

The U.S. Open offered the largest prize fund of the Grand Slams last year with UDS$90m (€76.9m), while Wimbledon offered a total of £53.5m (€61.7m) and the French Open €56.35m.

First-round losers at the Australian Open will walk away with AUD$150,000 (€86k), a hike of 14% from 2025, while the qualifying rounds will see the largest hike of 16%. Those falling in third round of qualifying will earn AUD$83,500 (€47k).

The prize money increase is part of Tennis Australia's AUD$135m (€77.5m) investment across the "Summer of Tennis", which Tiley said, "strengthens tennis's foundation, ensuring the sport's long-term health and commercial growth".

The Australian Open runs from January 18 to February 1 at Melbourne Park.