> At a Glance
> – The 2026 Australian Open will pay out a record 111.5 million AUD ($75 million USD)
> – Qualifying money rises 16%, main draw players get at least 10% more
> – Singles champions earn 4.15 million AUD each, up 19%
> – Why it matters: The boost aims to keep tennis viable for lower-ranked pros and deepen the field for fans
Tennis’ first Grand Slam of the year is writing its biggest-ever checks. Organizers on Tuesday locked in a record purse for the Jan. 18-Feb. 1 Melbourne Park fortnight, pushing total pay above the $75 million USD mark.
Biggest Payday in Tournament History
The new 111.5 million AUD pool is 16% fatter than 2025’s 96.5 million AUD, continuing a two-year surge that has seen qualifying money alone climb 55% since 2023.
Every competitor benefits:
- Qualifiers pocket 16% more
- Main-draw singles and doubles starters are guaranteed at least a 10% bump
- The move keeps the Australian Open on pace with rival majors chasing player goodwill
Champion’s Cheque Tops $2.8 Million USD
The ultimate prize is also swelling. Men’s and women’s singles winners will each collect 4.15 million AUD (about $2.8 million USD), 19% above last year’s haul.
Full Singles Payout Ladder
| Finish | 2026 Prize | USD Approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | $4,150,000 | $2,792,950 |
| Runner-up | $2,150,000 | $1,446,950 |
| Semifinalist | $1,250,000 | $841,250 |
| Quarterfinalist | $750,000 | $504,750 |
| Fourth round | $480,000 | $323,040 |
| Third round | $327,750 | $220,576 |
| Second round | $225,000 | $151,425 |
| First round | $150,000 | $100,950 |
Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley framed the raises as an investment in the sport’s ecosystem:
> “From boosting qualifying prize money by 55% since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we’re ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors.”
> “By supporting players at all levels, we’re building deeper talent pools and more compelling storylines for fans.”
Key Takeaways
- Total purse hits record 111.5 million AUD ($75 million USD)
- Qualifiers see 16% jump; main draw at least 10%
- Singles champs earn 4.15 million AUD, up 19%
- Raises continue a 55% qualifying-money surge since 2023
The 2026 Australian Open runs Jan. 18-Feb. 1, promising the richest fortnight in the event’s history.
