The US Open is set to break prize money records in 2025, with the men’s and women’s singles champions each receiving $5 million, the highest-ever payout in Grand Slam tennis history. The total prize pool across all categories will hit $85 million, while overall player compensation — including per diem and benefits — is expected to touch $90 million, a 20% increase from last year.
Biggest Payout in Tennis History
The prize pool jump was confirmed on Wednesday by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), ahead of the season’s final Grand Slam starting August 19. The $5 million winner’s cheque reflects a 39% increase from 2024, when champions took home $3.6 million. Even runners-up will enjoy a substantial boost, with $2.5 million each — matching the same 39% growth.
Semifinalists will also benefit from the pay hike, taking home $1.26 million, a 26% rise compared to last year.
New Additions and Schedule Changes
This year, the US Open introduces a new mixed doubles event that kicks off on August 19-20, offering a $1 million prize to the winning pair. The singles competition begins on Sunday, August 24, instead of the traditional Monday, extending the tournament duration from 14 to 15 days.
Players Demand Bigger Share
The pay hike follows months of discussion between elite players and Grand Slam organizers. In March, 20 top stars — including Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Jannik Sinner — signed a letter to the governing bodies of all four majors, calling for higher prize distribution and more player involvement in tournament decisions.
Talks with officials from the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open have been ongoing since.
Wider Prize Boosts Across Events
The increase isn’t limited to singles. For the first time ever, doubles champions (men’s and women’s) will receive $1 million per team. The qualifying rounds prize pool has also seen a 10% bump, touching $8 million. Even wheelchair tennis and other competitions will benefit from the record prize allocation.
Investment Off-Court Too
The prize hike follows the USTA’s announcement in May that Arthur Ashe Stadium will undergo a major upgrade as part of an $800 million infrastructure investment, the largest in the tournament’s history.
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