Australian Open announces record AUD 111.5 million prize pool
Australian Open organisers announced a record AUD 111.5 million prize pool, a 16 per cent rise from last year. Singles winners will earn AUD 2.79 million, with increases across all rounds. The Grand Slam begins January 12 at Melbourne Park
Published Date - 7 January 2026, 12:18 AM
Melbourne: Australian Open organisers on Tuesday announced a record AUD 111.5 million prize money pool, the largest in the tournament’s history. The pool saw a 16 per cent increase from last year’s AUD 96.5 million.
The winners of the men’s and women’s singles at the season-opening Grand Slam will each receive AUD 2.79 million, marking a 19 per cent rise from last year’s AUD 2.35 million. The runner-up will earn AUD 2.15 million, while semi-finalists will get AUD 1.25 million each.
Qualifying rounds are up by 16 per cent, and all singles and doubles players will receive a minimum 10 per cent increase. Players exiting in the first round of the main draw will earn AUD 150,000.
“This 16 per cent increase demonstrates our commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level. From boosting qualifying prize money by 55 per cent since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we’re ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors,” Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said.
The prize money uplift is part of Tennis Australia’s AUD 135 million investment across the Summer of Tennis, reinforcing its commitment to support hundreds of professional athletes. “This investment strengthens tennis’s foundation, ensuring the sport’s long-term health and commercial growth. By supporting players at all levels, we’re building deeper talent pools and more compelling storylines for fans,” Tiley added.
Three weeks of Grand Slam action begins at Melbourne Park on January 12, with the official draw slated for January 15 at the Grand Slam Oval fan stage, where defending champions Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys are expected to attend.
Prize Money Breakdown (Men’s and Women’s Singles):
Winner: AUD 2.79M (+19%)
Runner-up: AUD 2.15M (+13%)
Semi-finalists: AUD 1.25M (+14%)
Quarterfinalists: AUD 750K (+13%)
Fourth round: AUD 480K (+14%)
Third round: AUD 327.75K (+13%)
Second round: AUD 225K (+13%)
First round: AUD 150K (+14%)
Qualifying per round:
Q3: AUD 83.5K (+16%)
Q2: AUD 57K (+16%)
Q1: AUD 40.5K (+16%)