Australian Open 2026: Prize money increases but some players still have concerns
Star players among the top 20 men’s and women’s players, including Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Alexander Zverev, are demanding higher prize money-to-income ratios across the field across the four majors.
The organization also wants more consultation on the structure of the sport and an increase in the Grand Slam’s contribution to pension, healthcare and maternity funds.
According to the “Australian Financial Review”, although Tennis Australia’s 2025 accounts have not yet been made public, external The governing body’s revenue comes mainly from the Australian Open, which has total revenue of $697.2 million (£346 million).
The figure means prize money from this year’s Australian Open accounts for about 16% of the organization’s revenue.
In 2025, the US Open offers players 16% of the previous year’s earnings, with Wimbledon (13%) and Roland Garros (unpublished figures) offering lower shares.
Leading players have asked each Grand Slam to increase the proportion in stages over the next five years, eventually approaching the 22% mark they have achieved on some joint ATP and WTA tours.
The increase in total prize money this year means the Australian Open surpasses Wimbledon (£53.5m) and Roland Garros (£47.5m) in 2025, although it still trails the US Open (£67.4m).
The Australian Open will kick off on January 18 in Melbourne.
