Australian Open
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The Australian Open 2026 is making headlines with a record-breaking AUD 111.5 million (USD 75.4 million) prize pool, a 16% increase from last year. This milestone cements Melbourne’s “happy slam” as one of the most lucrative tournaments in tennis, surpassing Wimbledon’s AUD 108 million (USD 73 million) purse in 2025, though still trailing the US Open’s USD 134 million.

 

Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley highlighted that the increase reflects a long-term commitment to players across all levels of the sport. “We want professional tennis to be sustainable for everyone, from qualifiers to champions,” he explained, pointing to expanded benefits and prize money boosts that ensure careers remain viable.

The winners of the men’s and women’s singles will each earn AUD 4.15 million, up 19% from 2025. Even those eliminated in qualifying rounds will see gains, taking home AUD 40,500, while travel assistance has risen by 67% and welfare programs continue to expand. These measures taken by Tennis Australia show how the organization is willing to support athletes beyond the court.

The financial uplift follows a surge in Tennis Australia’s revenue in 2025, which climbed to AUD 693 million—an increase of more than AUD 100 million compared to the previous year. Growth was driven by ticket sales, government support, commercial partnerships, and broadcasting deals, including a new contract with Australian broadcaster Channel Nine worth around AUD 80 million annually.

Although expenses also rose to AUD 681 million, the organization still reported a net surplus of AUD 15.8m, more than double the AUD 7.4m recorded in 2024. In 2023, a surplus of AUD 62m was achieved thanks to a government loan forgiveness during the pandemic, showing how the financial landscape has shifted in recent years.

Beyond prize money, Tennis Australia is expanding its role in sports innovation and technology investment. Its venture capital activity grew sharply, with acquisitions rising to AUD 66.1m in 2025 from AUD 20.7m the year before. This bold move positions the governing body not only as an organizer of tournaments but also as a driver of innovation in the wider sports and entertainment industry.

This announcement comes amid negotiations with the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) over pay and conditions. Both sides are reportedly close to settling a US antitrust case, with officials describing talks as “productive.” Meanwhile, debate within the player community continues, intensified by Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the PTPA, the group he co-founded in 2020.

With this record prize money, expanded support for players, and large investments in innovation, the Australian Open 2026 reinforces its reputation as one of the most important investors in future of tennis.