2026 Australian Open: Record €64M Prize Pool & Equal Pay

A new record. Players at the Australian Open will compete this year for exceptional prize money, with the organizers announcing on Tuesday a 16% increase in the total prize money, brought to 111.5 million Australian dollars, or nearly 64 million euros.

The winners of the men’s and women’s singles of the first Grand Slam tournament of the year will each pocket 4.15 million Australian dollars (2.38 million euros), an increase of 19% compared to 3.5 million last year. The prize money will be equal, as has been the case since 2007 in the four major events of the tennis season.

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Players beaten in the first round will receive 150,000 Australian dollars (85,000 euros), while those eliminated in the first round of qualifying will receive 40,500 Australian dollars (23,000 euros).

Up 55% since 2023

Tournament director Craig Tiley said it reflected the Australian Tennis Federation’s commitment to supporting careers at all levels, from hopefuls to Grand Slam champions.

“By increasing prize pools by 55% since 2023 and improving player benefits, we are ensuring that professional tennis is viable for all competitors,” he added. “By supporting players at all levels, we are building deeper talent pools and more compelling stories for fans.”

The tournament will begin on January 18 at Melbourne Park, with Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys defending their title.

Aiko Tanaka

Aiko Tanaka is a combat sports journalist and general sports reporter at Archysport. A former competitive judoka who represented Japan at the Asian Games, Aiko brings firsthand athletic experience to her coverage of judo, martial arts, and Olympic sports. Beyond combat sports, Aiko covers breaking sports news, major international events, and the stories that cut across disciplines — from doping scandals to governance issues to the business side of global sport. She is passionate about elevating the profile of underrepresented sports and athletes.

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