The Australian Open has once again pushed prize money to new levels. Tennis Australia has confirmed a record prize pool for the 2026 tournament, with bigger payouts not just for the champions but also for players competing in the early and qualifying rounds.
Australian Open 2026 Prize Money Reaches New Heights
The 2026 Australian Open will offer approximately 111.5 million AUD (74.9 million USD) in prize money, the largest payout in the tournament’s history. It will be a 16% increase from last year’s 96.5 million AUD (approximately $ 64.81 million USD).
The men’s and women’s singles champions will each earn 4.15 million AUD (2.79 million USD), which will be a 19% increase from the 3.5 million AUD (2.35 million USD) in 2025. Runners-up will receive 2.15 million AUD (1.44 million USD), while semifinalists will take home 1.25 million AUD (841.9k USD).
Quarterfinalists will earn 750,000 AUD (505k USD), and even those eliminated in the first round will receive 150,000 AUD (100,750 USD), which represents a 14% increase from last year.
Prize money across all three qualifying rounds has increased by 16%. 40,500 AUD (27,286 USD) will be awarded to the first qualifying round loss, 57,000 AUD (38,398 USD) will be awarded to the second, and 83,500 AUD (56,253 USD) will be awarded to those who reach the final qualifying round.
| Round | Prize Money (AUD) | Prize Money (USD) (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | 4,150,000 | 2,794,962 |
| Runner-up | 2,150,000 | 1,448,100 |
| Semifinalists | 1,250,000 | 841,918 |
| Quarterfinalists | 750,000 | 505,080 |
| Fourth Round | 480,000 | 323,251 |
| Third Round | 327,750 | 220,707 |
| Second Round | 225,000 | 151,515 |
| First Round | 150,000 | 101,010 |
| Qualifying Round 3 | 83,500 | 56,212 |
| Qualifying Round 2 | 57,000 | 38,383 |
| Qualifying Round 1 | 40,500 | 27,272 |
Tennis Australia is focusing on helping not just top stars but also those trying to move up the rankings, to assist them in managing the costs of a long season. CEO Craig Tiley pointed out that qualifying prize money has increased by 55% since 2023 and mentioned that the goal is to make professional tennis sustainable for everyone on tour.
“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,” he said.
Tiley also revealed that the prize money is part of a 135 million AUD (90.97 million USD approx.) investment across Australia’s summer of tennis, including events in Brisbane, Hobart, Adelaide, and the United Cup.
The 2026 Australian Open’s qualifying rounds will commence on January 12, and the main draw will take place from January 18 to February 1.
Australian Open 2026 in Comparison to the US Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros
However, even with its record prize pool, the Australian Open still trails the US Open in terms of overall prize money. The 2025 US Open had a massive $90 million purse, making it the richest Grand Slam. 2025 Wimbledon followed with £53.5 million (about 72.5 million USD), while 2025 Roland Garros had €56.35 million (about 66.12 million USD) in total prize money.
| Round | Australian Open 2026 (USD) | US Open 2025 (USD) | Wimbledon 2025 (USD) | Roland Garros 2025 (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winner | 2.79 million | 5 million | 4.06 million | 2.9 million |
| Runner-up | 1.44 million | 2.5 million | 2.05 million | 1.49 million |
| Semifinalist | 842.2k | 1.26 million | 1.05 million | 809.4k |
| Quarterfinalist | 505.3k | 660k | 541.9k | 516.1k |
| First round | 100.7k | 110k | 89.4k | 91.5k |
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But what really stands out about the 2026 Australian Open is how it pays players in the early rounds. First-round losers at the tournament will earn more than what players received at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
Although the US Open still offers the most money for first-round exits, the Australian Open shows a clear push to support lower-ranked players better.
Although the US Open remains the leader in total prize money, the Australian Open’s 2026 prize pool puts it alongside Wimbledon and Roland Garros as one of the most player-friendly Grand Slams.
