Just In: Good News for Players as the US Open Announces the Largest Prize Money in Grand Slam History After a 20% Increase
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) made history by announcing a record-breaking $108 million player compensation package for this year’s Grand Slam tournament.
According to PFSN, as the US Open has reached a new financial high and players are in line for massive earnings, tennis fans on social media were quick to question where all that money is coming from, pointing to soaring ticket prices.
Fans slam ‘sold out’ fan week passes
According to the announcement, the singles champions will earn $5.5 million each, the highest prize in Grand Slam history, while first-round singles players are guaranteed $140,000.
The total of $108 million is also 20% higher than last year’s record $90 million and represents a 44% increase over the past two years.
The tournament will also launch a new Player Support Program in 2026 with an initial $2 million fund, divided equally between men and women, to help the rising and lower-ranked players.
The US Open also announced a new Grand Slam Player Council, alongside those of the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, and Wimbledon. The council will give players a more important voice on on-court and tournament-related issues.
While this is such positive news for the players, everyday tennis fans on social media were quick to point out who seems to be footing the bill.
Shortly after the US Open shared the prize money announcement on X, the comment section linked it directly to the steep rise in the resale ticket prices for the event’s ground pass in Flushing Meadows.
Just 10 days before the US Open, ticket prices have soared, with a basic grounds pass now listed for up to $363 on the official resale website, Ticketmaster
