How much prize money does Australian Open winner receive? Stars battling for record Grand Slam amount
Tennis’ biggest stars will be desperate to get their hands on a record prize pot at this year’s Australian Open.
The first Grand Slam of the year is nearing the business end, with top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka still eyeing glory.
Last year, champions Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys took home £1.74million each for claiming their respective victories.
After beating Alexander Zverev to clinch a second straight crown in Melbourne 12 months ago, Italian superstar Sinner is facing competition from Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic this year.
In the women’s draw, Keys is out but Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula are in contention for victory.
And there is plenty of incentive to go for glory this year, with a record prize pot being announced ahead of the 2026 edition.
Australian Open 2026: Prize money
There is a total prize pot of £55million at the 2026 Australian Open – a record for the tournament.
This represents a 16 per cent increase on last year and is the largest player fund in the Grand Slam’s history.
Both the men’s and women’s champions will claim the same amount of money Down Under.
The winners of the respective singles events will take home a staggering £2.05m – a 19 per cent rise on last year’s winnings.
On top of this, all singles and doubles players competing will get a minimum pay increase of 10 per cent.
Singles draw runners-up in Australia will receive £1.07m, while semi-finalists are set to leave with £620,000 each.
Quarter-finalists are awarded £372,000, with those who reach the fourth round pocketing £238,000.
Third-round and second-round losers receive £162,650 and £112,000 respectively, while first round losers will earn £74,000.
While a pay rise is guaranteed, prize money for the doubles and mixed doubles events has not yet been revealed.
Australian Open prize money: Payout breakdown
Men’s and women’s singles prize money
- Winner – £2.059m (A$4.15M)
- Runner-up – £1.07m (A$2.15M)
- Semi-finalist – £620,000 (A$1.25M)
- Quarter-finalist – £372,000 (A$750,000)
- Fourth round – £238,000 (A$480,000)
- Third round – £162,650 (A$327,750)
- Second round – £112,000 (A$225,000)
- First round – £74,000 (A$150,000)
What has been said about the Australian Open prize fund?
Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said the record prize fund for the 2026 Australian Open is a show of commitment to supporting all professional tennis players.
On the prize pot, he said: “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.
“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.”
How to follow 2026 Australian Open
The main draw began on Sunday, January 18 with the event running for two weeks.
It will conclude with the men’s singles final on Sunday, February 1.
The finals of the men’s and women’s singles will both start at 8.30am UK time on February 1 and January 31, respectively.
Both finals will be broadcast live across TNT Sports and Discovery+ while talkSPORT will have all the latest news from Down Under too.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream or find us on DAB digital radio through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
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