2026 Australian Open Prize Money - $111.5m a New Record in Melbourne
The 2026 Australian Open will present an unparalleled prize pool of AU $111.5 million, a notable 16% increase from the previous year. The men's and women's singles champions will each secure AU $4.15 million, exemplifying a 19% hike from 2025. Tennis Australia aims to promote player welfare and competitive depth by elevating prize money across early rounds and qualifying events. This initiative positions the Australian Open as a leading player-friendly Grand Slam, despite still trailing the US Open in total prize money. Reigning champions and emerging talents will headline the tournament.
- The 2026 Australian Open Prize Money is a whopping $111.5m
- Men’s and women’s singles champions will pocket $4.15m each
- Players who lose in qualifying will take home at least $40,500
The 2026 Australian Open will feature a record amount of prize money, AU $111.5 million which marks a 16% increase on the 2025 total.
The men’s and women’s singles winners will pocket $4.15 million each, a 19% rise from the $3.5 million awarded to Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys in 2025.
While the Australian Open has overtaken Wimbledon and the French Open, it still trails the US Open which distributed US $85m in 2025.
However, by significantly boosting prize money in the early rounds and qualifying, the Australian Open is positioning itself as the most player friendly Slam.
The historic rise reflects Tennis Australia’s attempt to invest in player welfare, deeper competitive fields and strengthened support for players at all levels of the professional game.
Prize Money Breakdown
| Round | Prize Money (Men & Women) |
|---|---|
| Champion | 4,150,000 |
| Runner-up | 2,150,000 |
| Semifinalist | 1,250,000 |
| Quarterfinalist | 750,000 |
| Fourth Round | 480,000 |
| Third Round | 327,750 |
| Second Round | 225,000 |
| First Round | 150,000 |
| Qualifying - Q3 | 83,500 |
| Qualifying - Q2 | 57,000 |
| Qualifying - Q1 | 40,500 |
Recent History
Melbourne Park has recently become the personal playground for a select few, though 2025 gave us a refreshing shift in the women's game.
- Men’s: Novak Djokovic reigned supreme in 2023, claiming his tenth title in Melbourne. Jannik Sinner is the man to beat however, having won back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025.
- Women’s: In 2025, Madison Keys shocked the world by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set final. Prior to that, Sabalenka had achieved the rare feat of winning back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.
| Year | Men's Champion | Women's Champion |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Jannik Sinner | Madison Keys |
| 2024 | Jannik Sinner | Aryna Sabalenka |
| 2023 | Novak Djokovic | Iga Swiatek |
Players to Watch
Jannik Sinner: Seeking a three-peat. His technical efficiency on hard courts is currently unmatched.
Carlos Alcaraz: Despite being World No. 1, he has never progressed past the quarter-finals in Melbourne. The Spaniard has a new coach and is hungry for the Career Grand Slam.
Novak Djokovic: The Serbian has won a record ten titles in Melbourne, but the 38-year-old failed to reach a Grand Slam final in 2025 and recently withdrew from the Adelaide International.
Aryna Sabalenka: After a runner-up finish last year, her raw power makes her the statistical favorite on the fast courts in Melbourne.
Iga Swiatek: The Australian Open remains the only Grand Slam to elude the Pole.
Madison Keys: The defending champions broke through to win last year.
Reaction
Announcing the prize money increase, Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley shared the following statement.
"This 16% increase demonstrates our commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level.
"From boosting qualifying prize money by 55% since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we're ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors.
"This investment strengthens tennis's foundation, ensuring the sport's long-term health and commercial growth."
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