By Richard Pagliaro | Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Photo credit: ROLEX
Melbourne Park will offer a major pot of gold at the end of the AO rainbow this month.
The 2026 Australian Open will pay out a record $111.5 million (Australian dollars) in prize money, which is about $75 Million U.S. dollars, the tournament announced today.
It’s the largest prize money package in tournament history, representing a 16 percent increase over the $96.5 Million (Australian dollars) paid out at the 2025 Australian Open.
The 2026 Australian Open main draw is set for January 18-February 1st.
Jannik Sinner is two-time defending AO men’s champion. Madison Keys is reigning AO women’s champion.
Among the AO prize money highlights:
*All singles and doubles players receive a 10 percent prize money raise.
*Qualifying players will earn 16 percent more prize money than 2025.
*AO singles champions will collect $4.15 Million checks, which is about $2.79 Million U.S. dollars and a 19 percent increase over 2025.
*AO singles finalists will earn $2.15 Million, about $1.45 Million in U.S. dollars and a 13 percent increase over last year.
“This 16 per cent increase demonstrates our commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level,” Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said.
“From boosting qualifying prize money by 55 per cent since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we’re ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors.”
2026 Australian Open Prize Money Breakdown
Men’s and women’s singles—All figures in Australian Dollars
Winner: $4.15M (+19%)
Runner-up: $2.15M (+13%)
Semifinalists: $1.25M (+14%)
Quarterfinalists: $750K (+13%)
Fourth round: $480K (+14%)
Third round: $327.75K (+13%)
Second round: $225K (+13%)
First Round: $150K (+14%)
Qualifying per round:
– Q3: $83.5K (+16%)
– Q2: $57K (+16%)
– Q1: $40.5K (+16%)
