Did You Know? This Tennis Tournament Broke the Record for Most Prize Money

In professional tennis, a few hours on court can turn into a seriously big payday. At the biggest tournaments, a good run can mean a hefty cash boost, but winning the whole thing can come with a prize worth millions.

In 2025, one tournament pushed those numbers into record territory. Its total player compensation reached $90 million (approximately P5.1 billion), making it the largest amount ever awarded at a tennis tournament, a record recognized by Guinness World Records.

The record belonged to the 2025 US Open, where total player compensation jumped 20 percent from the previous year’s $75 million. Of the $90 million total, $85 million went toward prize money, while the remaining $5 million covered player support, including accommodations, travel stipends, and other expenses.

For the singles champions, the reward was particularly substantial. Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka each earned $5 million (approximately P284 million) for winning the men’s and women’s titles, respectively. That was a 39 percent increase from the previous year’s $3.6 million prize, making it the biggest winning payout in tennis at the time.

The record-setting increase also wasn't limited to the champions. A singles finalist received $2.5 million (approximately P142 million), while a semifinal appearance was worth $1.26 million, or about P71.6 million. Reaching the quarterfinals came with $660,000, while a Round of 16 finish earned $400,000.

Even an early exit came with a substantial prize. Players who lost in the first round of the main singles draw received $110,000 (approximately P6.25 million), while those who made it through to the main draw via qualifying also received increased payouts. Alex Eala, for instance, reached the Round of 64, where she was defeated by Cristina Bucșa. Her run still earned her $154,000 (approximately P8.75 million) in prize money. 

Doubles players also had their own reason to celebrate. For the first time, the winning teams in men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles each received $1 million (approximately P56.8 million) per team.

See the full breakdown below, according to the US Open:

Men's & Women's Singles Main Draw

• Champion: $5,000,000

• Runner-Up: $2,500,000

• Semifinalists: $1,260,000

• Quarterfinalists: $660,000

• Round of 16: $400,000

• Round of 32: $237,000

• Round of 64: $154,000

• Round of 128: $110,000

Men's & Women's Doubles Main Draw (per team)

• Champions: $1,000,000

• Runners-Up: $500,000

• Semifinalists: $250,000

• Quarterfinalists: $125,000

• Round of 16: $75,000

• Round of 32: $45,000

• Round of 64: $30,000

Mixed Doubles (per team)

• Champions: $1,000,000

• Runners-Up: $400,000

• Semifinalists: $200,000

• Quarterfinalists: $100,000

• Round of 16: $20,000

Men's & Women's Singles Qualifying

• Round of 32: $57,200

• Round of 64: $41,800

• Round of 128: $27,500

The US Open’s record-setting purse has given this year’s tournament quite a sizeable number to beat. The 2026 US Open will take place from Sunday, August 23, to Sunday, September 13, returning to New York’s USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Its 2026 prize-money figure has yet to be officially announced, so the $90 million benchmark is still standing.