Tennis Australia has served up a massive financial boost for competitors at the 2025 Australian Open, announcing a record total prize pool of $111.5 million. This represents a substantial 16% increase on the previous year's funds, directly channelling the organisation's soaring revenues back to the players.
Record Purse and Champion's Payday
The landmark sum propels the Melbourne tournament past Wimbledon's 2025 offering of $108m, though it remains behind the US Open's $134m purse. The biggest beneficiaries are the singles champions, with both the men's and women's winners, including women's champion Madison Keys, pocketing $4.5 million each. This is a 19% rise from the $3.5m awarded in 2024.
In a significant move for lower-ranked professionals, the largest percentage increase was directed towards the qualifying rounds. Prize money for players who lose in the first round of qualifying has jumped by 16%, ensuring they still take home a minimum of $40,500. Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley stated this 55% cumulative rise in qualifying money since 2023 underscores a commitment to making the sport sustainable at all levels.
Financial Windfall Fuels Player Support
This generous prize fund expansion follows an explosive year for Tennis Australia's finances. Documents filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) revealed income for the year to September 2025 reached $693 million, a $102m increase. This surge is attributed to successful commercial strategies, a lucrative new broadcast deal with Channel Nine, and strong ticket sales.
While expenses also grew to $681m, the organisation recorded a healthy net surplus of $15.8m. TA has also increased player travel assistance by 67% and invested heavily in welfare initiatives. Furthermore, the governing body is expanding its role as a technology investor, with acquisitions in sport and entertainment tech rising to $66.1m.
Backdrop of Player Relations and Executive Pay
The prize money announcement comes amid ongoing tensions regarding pay and conditions on the professional tour. Tennis Australia and the Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA) are reportedly finalising a settlement in a US antitrust lawsuit, with TA confirming "productive settlement discussions" are underway.
These discussions are set against internal player disagreements about the tour's direction, highlighted by Novak Djokovic's recent withdrawal from the PTPA, which he co-founded. Meanwhile, compensation for CEO Craig Tiley and his senior team increased by 7% to $11.1m in the last reporting period.
The 2025 tournament concluded with American Madison Keys claiming her first Australian Open title, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the women's final. The record-breaking prize money ensures that her victory, and the efforts of every competitor in Melbourne, is now more lucratively rewarded than ever before.
