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USTA boosts US Open prize fund to $108 million

8/27/2026

40 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Sabalenka Seeks Title

USTA announces US Open prize fund $108 million, a 20% increase.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will chase a third straight US Open women's title, last done by Serena Williams (2012-14).
Mixed Doubles returns, featuring Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic among top singles players.
British players Cameron Norrie and Arthur Fery entered the US Open main draw.
Singles champions will earn $5.5 million and first-round losers receive over £100,000.

Summary

Sky Extends

Sky Sports secured a three-year extension to broadcast the US Open in the UK through 2030.
The agreement provides more than 12 hours of live tennis each day during the three-week tournament.
Sky will air the newly introduced mixed-doubles event on its platform for the first time.
Emma Raducanu, world No 68, will miss the US Open because of a stress-fracture shin injury.

History

Historical Context

The US Open broke new ground in 1973 when it became the first Grand Slam to award equal prize money, giving singles champions John Newcombe and Margaret Court $25,000 each on a $100,000 purse. Building on that precedent, the USTA raised total player compensation to $108 million for the 2026 tournament—a 20% jump that underscores the event’s expanding commercial reach.

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Sabalenka Seeks Title

USTA announces US Open prize fund $108 million, a 20% increase.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will chase a third straight US Open women's title, last done by Serena Williams (2012-14).
Mixed Doubles returns, featuring Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic among top singles players.
British players Cameron Norrie and Arthur Fery entered the US Open main draw.
Singles champions will earn $5.5 million and first-round losers receive over £100,000.

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