While tennis fans are blessed with one of the shortest offseasons in all of sports, even that short break feels like a lifetime after 11 months of nonstop tennis. But that break is just about over as the first big tournament of the year, the Australian Open, approaches, promising even more thrills than last year.

In 2025, Jannik Sinner claimed the men’s title for the second time, and Madison Keys grabbed her first major crown. Both players walked away with a whopping check of AUD 96.5 million (USD 60.29 million). So, what’s in store for them and the rest of the field this year?

How much prize money awaits the champions of the 2026 Australian Open?

The 2026 edition of the major tournament in Melbourne delivers its biggest prize money pot ever: approximately 111.5 million AUD (74.9 million USD). This marks a substantial 16% increase from last year.

Men’s and women’s singles champions will each claim 4.15 million AUD (2.79 million USD), a 19% rise from the 3.5 million AUD (2.35 million USD) awarded in 2025.

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Runners-up earn 2.15 million AUD (1.44 million USD), semifinalists receive 1.25 million AUD (841.9k USD), and quarterfinalists take 750,000 AUD (505k USD) home.

Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley hailed the increased financial rewards as a game-changer. He stressed it shows their rock-solid dedication to fueling tennis careers across the board:

“From boosting qualifying prize money by 55% since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we’re ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors,” said Tiley. “By supporting players at all levels, we’re building deeper talent pools and more compelling storylines for fans.”

Even first-round runner-ups secure 150,000 AUD (100,750 USD), reflecting a 14% bump from 2025. This boost not only sets a new benchmark for the Australian Open but also intensifies competition among all Grand Slams.

The Australian Open 2026 challenges Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open

The 2026 Australian Open has smashed records with its huge prize pool. With its hike this season, it tops Wimbledon’s £53.5 million ($72.2 million USD) and French Open’s €56.35 million ($66.12 million USD) from 2025. This year, players will grab 16% of revenue, matching the US Open last year, but beating Wimbledon’s 13%.

Comparatively, the US Open 2025 ruled with $85 million total, the richest ever. Champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka took home $5 million, runners-up $2.5 million, semifinalists $1.26 million, quarterfinalists $660k, and first round  $110k. The Australian Open lags overall but flips some spots.

Even Wimbledon 2025 paid out £53.5 million ($72.2 million USD), 13% revenue share. The winners Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek earned $4.05 million, runners-up $2.05 million, semifinalists $1.05 million, quarterfinalists $541k, and first round $89.4k. The Australian Open now leads total and key rounds.

Lastly, the French Open 2025 dished out €56.35 million ($66.12 million USD), a lower revenue share. Champions Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff received $2.95 million, runners-up $1.49 million, semifinalists $809k, quarterfinalists $516k, and first round $91.5k. The Australian Open beats most stages.

In the end, the US Open still rules first-round exit pay. Yet the Australian Open ramps up support for lower-ranked grinders with a clear edge. Still, the US Open leads total prize money. But The Australian Open’s 2026 haul plants it firmly with Wimbledon and Roland Garros as a top player-friendly Slam.

The Australian Open is set to begin on January 18 as Jannik Sinner, the defending champ, chases a three-peat. Carlos Alcaraz eyes his first Australian Open crown and a career slam. Novak Djokovic, the 10-time king of Melbourne, hunts his 25th Grand Slam.

On the WTA side, Madison Keys faces fierce rivals. Iga Swiatek craves her career slam. Aryna Sabalenka fights to hold No. 1 and snag a third the Australian Open title!

The battle for the first major title of the season is about to get intense, and the prize money just adds to the excitement! Who do you think will take it away?