MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australian Open prize money increased 16% from last year to a record total for the tournament starting Jan. 18.
Organizers of the season’s first major tennis tournament announced their largest ever prize pool in local currency on Tuesday, with the 2026 total set at A$111.5 million (US$75 million). This is up from A$96.5 million in 2025.
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The women’s and men’s singles champions will take home A$4.15 million ($2.8 million), an increase of 19 percent from last year.
Prize money for the qualifying tournament will increase by 16% and organizers say all players in the singles and doubles main draw will receive a minimum 10% increase.
Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said the increase “demonstrates our commitment to supporting tennis careers at all levels”.
“From increasing qualifying prize money 55% since 2023 to improving player benefits, we are ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors,” Tiley said. “By supporting players at all levels, we are building deeper talent pools and more compelling storylines for fans.”
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