Overview
- Tournament organisers confirmed the total purse has climbed to A$111.5 million from A$96.5 million in 2025, the largest in event history.
- Singles champions will earn A$4.15 million each (+19%), with runner-up A$2.15 million, semifinalists A$1.25 million, and quarterfinalists A$750,000.
- First-round main-draw pay rises to A$150,000 (+14%), and qualifying prizes increase 16% per round: Q1 A$40,500, Q2 A$57,000, Q3 A$83,500.
- Organisers say the uplift is part of wider player support, with reporting of expanded travel assistance and welfare initiatives as the broader program rolls out.
- Qualifying starts January 12 and the main draw runs January 18 to February 1 at Melbourne Park, with the Australian Open still trailing the US Open’s most recent overall purse.