New USTA chief executive Craig Tiley told reporters on Saturday that the 2026 US Open will offer a record‑breaking $108 million in total prize money, the largest purse ever in tennis history. The increase is intended to give players a “fair share” of the tournament’s revenue, a priority Tiley has championed throughout his career.
Prize Money Milestones
Both the men’s and women’s singles champions will walk away with $5.5 million each, a 10 percent rise over last year and the highest payout ever awarded to a Grand Slam singles winner. First‑round losers will receive $140,000, a 27 percent jump that sets a new Grand Slam record for early‑round compensation.
Tiley also highlighted additional player benefits beyond cash. Each competitor will receive a $2,500 Uber voucher and a $1,000 credit on an American Express card, further underscoring the USTA’s commitment to a player‑friendly environment.
Why the Increase Matters
Tiley explained that the decision reflects growing calls from top players for a larger share of tournament revenues. “I have always believed the players should be paid well, and I think they should be paid their fair share,” he said. He noted that similar compensation pushes were made at the Australian Open during his tenure with Tennis Australia, and that the US Open will continue that trajectory.
Leading players such as Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka have publicly urged Grand Slam events to raise the percentage of revenue allocated to prize money. Their advocacy, coupled with limited media availability at the French Open and Wimbledon as a form of protest, added pressure on tournament organizers to act.
Wawrinka Wildcard Controversy Resolved
Tiley also addressed the recent debate over Swiss three‑time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka’s wildcard entry. Initially omitted from the draw, Wawrinka was later granted a spot after American player Patrick Kypson withdrew. The USTA had first prioritized young American players who narrowly missed direct entry, a move Tiley defended as essential for nurturing home‑grown talent.
“When you’re just out of the draw and you’re a young American up‑and‑coming player, you need to be given an opportunity,” Tiley said. He added that Wawrinka was aware a vacancy could arise and accepted the wildcard when it became available. “It’s great that he’s here and he’s competing,” Tiley concluded.
Looking Ahead
The US Open main draw begins on Sunday, and the tournament’s expanded financial commitment is expected to set a new benchmark for player compensation across the sport. By aligning prize money with revenue growth, the USTA hopes to reinforce the United States’ position as a premier destination for tennis talent while honoring the athletes who bring the sport to life.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
