Tennis Australia has made a landmark announcement, revealing a record-shattering prize money pool for the 2026 Australian Open. The total kitty has been set at a staggering $74.9 million USD, marking a substantial 16% increase from the previous edition. This boost solidifies the Melbourne Grand Slam's position as a leader in player compensation and underscores its growing commercial success.
Winners and Defending Champions: A Lucrative Payday
The singles champions at the 2026 Australian Open will have an extra reason to celebrate. Both the men's and women's title winners will take home a whopping $2.79 million each, a significant rise from the $2.35 million awarded in 2025. The runner-up will earn $1.44 million, while semifinalists and quarterfinalists will pocket $842,306 and $505,383 respectively.
All eyes will be on the defending champions. Italy's Jannik Sinner will return to Melbourne Park aiming to retain his men's singles crown. In the women's draw, American Madison Keys will defend her title after a stunning 2025 victory where she upset world number one Aryna Sabalenka to claim her maiden Grand Slam.
Broad-Based Support: Early Rounds and Qualifiers See Major Gains
In a move praised for supporting the sport's ecosystem, the prize money increase benefits players at every stage. Even first-round losers in singles will cross the significant threshold of $100,000, receiving $101,076. This ensures better financial stability for touring professionals.
The commitment to grassroots support is further highlighted by the focus on qualifying rounds. Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley emphasized this, stating, “From boosting qualifying prize money by 55 per cent since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we are ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors.” The qualifying prize money for 2026 starts at $27,290 for the first qualifying round (Q1).
Complete Prize Money Breakdown (Approximate USD)
- Winner: $2.79 million
- Runner-up: $1.44 million
- Semifinalist: $842,306
- Quarterfinalist: $505,383
- Fourth Round: $323,445
- Third Round: $220,852
- Second Round: $151,615
- First Round: $101,076
- Qualifying Round 3 (Q3): $56,266
- Qualifying Round 2 (Q2): $38,409
- Qualifying Round 1 (Q1): $27,290
2026 Australian Open Schedule and Key Dates
The road to the record prize money begins with the qualifying rounds on Monday, January 12, 2026. The main draw action kicks off on Sunday, January 18. The tournament will conclude with the men's final on Saturday, February 1, following the women's final on Friday, January 30.
The fortnight's schedule is packed, with the first week dedicated to rounds one through four. The business end starts with the quarterfinals on January 26 and 27, followed by the women's semifinals on January 28 and the men's semifinals on January 29.
This significant financial commitment by Tennis Australia reflects the tournament's robust health and its dedication to rewarding the athletes who are the heart of the sport. The record purse is expected to heighten competition and add to the spectacle of the year's first Grand Slam, setting a high bar for the 2026 tennis season.
