The Australian Open is set to capture global attention as it announces a record cash prize for 2026. This event takes place from January 18 to February 1, featuring top players including Novak Djokovic, Elena Rybakina, and Matteo Berrettini.
Record Prize Money for the Australian Open 2026
In 2025, Jannik Sinner won 3.5 million Australian dollars (approximately 2 million Euros) after defeating Alexander Zverev. For 2026, champions will earn 4.15 million Australian dollars, marking a 19% increase from the previous year. The total prize pool has also risen significantly, reaching 111.5 million Australian dollars (around 64 million Euros), compared to 96.5 million Australian dollars (about 55 million Euros) in 2025. This represents a growth of 16%.
Factors Contributing to Increased Earnings
The rise in prize money can be attributed to various factors, notably the sustained dominance of top players like Djokovic. His achievements at the Rod Laver Arena and those of other esteemed athletes have contributed to a notable increase in overall tennis revenues from 2000 to 2020. This boost in income benefits all players, including participants in early rounds.
2026 Prize Distribution Breakdown
Prize money for the Australian Open 2026 will be distributed as follows:
- Winners (Men’s and Women’s Singles): 4.15 million AUD (2.39 million EUR)
- Runners-up: 2.15 million AUD (1.24 million EUR)
- Semi-Finalists: 1.25 million AUD (720,000 EUR)
- Quarter-Finalists: 750,000 AUD (431,000 EUR)
- Round of 16: 480,000 AUD (276,000 EUR)
- Third Round: 327,000 AUD (188,000 EUR)
- Second Round: 225,000 AUD (129,000 EUR)
- First Round: 150,000 AUD (86,000 EUR)
Qualification Earnings Breakdown
Prize money for qualifying rounds in 2026 will be as follows:
- First Round: 40,500 AUD (23,315 EUR)
- Second Round: 57,000 AUD (32,000 EUR)
- Third Round: 83,500 AUD (48,070 EUR)
Equality in Earnings
Since 2007, the Australian Open has ensured that male and female athletes receive equal prize money. This commitment to equality reflects the tournament’s dedication to fair competition.
Comparison with Other Grand Slam Tournaments
The Australian Open’s total prize pool of 111.5 million AUD surpasses that of Roland-Garros, which had 55.83 million EUR in 2025. Although Wimbledon’s figures are expected to rise, it currently falls behind the Australian Open, which also trails the US Open, offering 90 million USD (77 million EUR) in 2025.
This year, the world’s tennis fans will eagerly await the exciting matches and significant financial rewards awaiting the tournament’s participants.
