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Australian Open Lifts 2026 Prize Pool to Record A$111.5 Million

Tennis Australia frames the rise as part of a wider A$135 million summer investment to bolster player support.

Overview

  • Men's and women's singles champions will each receive A$4.15 million, a 19% increase on last year, with runners-up earning A$2.15 million (+13%).
  • Early-round payouts rise across the board, including A$150,000 for first-round main-draw exits and qualifying prizes of A$40,500, A$57,000 and A$83,500 for Q1–Q3 (all up 16%).
  • Organisers say all singles and doubles players will see at least a 10% uplift, with qualifying prize money up 55% since 2023.
  • The record purse follows broader player pressure over revenue sharing and sits below the 2025 US Open’s US$90 million total while surpassing last year’s Wimbledon and Roland-Garros funds.
  • Qualifying is scheduled to start January 12, with the main draw running January 18 to February 1 at Melbourne Park.