The Australian Open has unveiled the largest prize fund in its history for the 2026 tournament, with the singles champions set to pocket a record £2.1 million each. Despite the headline-grabbing 19% increase for the winners, the move has reportedly left leading players feeling "disappointed" as they continue to campaign for a larger slice of grand slam revenues.
Record Breakers and Rising Discontent
Organisers confirmed a total prize pool of £55.5 million for the Melbourne event, marking a significant 16% rise overall. This boost means the 2026 champions will receive £340,000 more than Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys did for their 2025 triumphs, where they each won £1.76 million.
However, this substantial increase comes against a backdrop of ongoing tension. A group of top players has been actively lobbying the four major tournaments, arguing that the proportion of revenue allocated to prize money is unfairly low. In written communications to the slams, they have contended that the share should be closer to the 22% benchmark seen at combined ATP and WTA Tour events with equal pay.
The players are also pushing for the grand slams to begin contributing to a dedicated player welfare fund, highlighting concerns about the long-term sustainability of careers, especially for those who exit in the early rounds.
Prize Money Breakdown: A Round-by-Round Guide
The record-breaking £55.5 million fund is distributed across the tournament, with significant focus on supporting players at all stages. Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley emphasised this commitment, stating, "This 16 per cent increase demonstrates our commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level." He pointed to a 55% surge in qualifying prize money since 2023 as evidence of efforts to make the professional game viable for all competitors.
Here is the complete prize money breakdown for the men's and women's singles draws in 2026:
- Winner: £2.1 million (AUD $4.15m)
- Runner-up: £1.1 million (AUD $2.15m)
- Semi-finalist: £622,000 (AUD $1.25m)
- Quarter-finalist: £373,000 (AUD $750k)
- Fourth Round: £239,000 (AUD $480k)
- Third Round: £163,000 (AUD $327.75k)
- Second Round: £112,000 (AUD $225k)
- First Round: £75,000 (AUD $150k)
How the Australian Open Stacks Up Against Other Slams
Even with this increase, the Australian Open's top prize remains the smallest among the four grand slams when compared to the most recent figures from other majors. The 2025 US Open champion won £3.7 million, while the Wimbledon winner took home £3 million. The Roland Garros champion earned slightly more than Melbourne's new top prize at £2.13 million.
For viewers in the UK, the tournament will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and via the streaming service Discovery+. Fans in the United States can watch the action on ESPN and the Tennis Channel.
The announcement sets the stage for a fascinating 2026 Australian Open, where the on-court battles for the record prize money will be matched by the off-court discussions about the fair distribution of the sport's considerable wealth.
