Madison Keys of the USA holds the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup following her Women’s final win over Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus during the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
The prize fund for this year's Australian Open has been increased by 16 percent to NZ$130 million, making it the largest purse in the tournament's history, organisers announced on Tuesday.
The two singles champions will each pocket $4.83 million, up from the $4.1 million which Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys took home last year.
"This 16 percent increase demonstrates our commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level," said Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley.
"From boosting qualifying prize money by 55 percent since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we're ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors."
The US Open offered the largest prize fund of the Grand Slams last year with NZ$156m, while Wimbledon offered a total of NZ$125m and the French Open NZ$114m.
Alexander Zverev of Germany serves during his Men’s Singles final against Jannik Sinner of Italy during the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
First-round losers at the Australian Open will walk away with $175,000, a hike of 14 percent from 2025, while the qualifying rounds will see the largest hike of 16 percent. Those falling in third round of qualifying will earn $97,500.
The prize money increase is part of Tennis Australia's $157m investment across the "Summer of Tennis", which Tiley said, "strengthens tennis's foundation, ensuring the sport's long-term health and commercial growth".
The Australian Open runs from 18 January to 1 February at Melbourne Park.
-Reuters
