The Australian Open is just around the corner, with most of the best tennis players in the world descending on Melbourne to compete for the first Grand Slam of the year and the first big trophy to lift. The prize pot at this year's tournament has grown, with a record A$111.5 million (£55 million) on offer. The total is up by 16% on last year and is the largest ever at the Australian Open.
In the article below, we break down the amount of money in each round, highlighting the amount a player can earn in total, before looking more into how the prize money has developed over the past few years.
Prize Money per Round
Players earn money for each round that they progress through. Men's and Women’s singles players earn the same amount at the tournament, with the winner winning A$4.15 million. If you lose in the final, the A$2.15 million should go some way to making you feel a little better despite the circumstances. Semifinalists get A$1.25 million each, with quarterfinalists making A$750,000.
There is A$327,750 on offer for those who make the third round, A$225,000 for making the second round, and $150,000 for those who exit in the first round. All the prize money has increased throughout the rounds, and even in qualifying, with each round’s prize money increasing by 16%.
Here is a breakdown of the money and the percentage increase on offer in 2026 compared to last year:
Winner:
A$4.15 million (+19%)
Runner-up:
A$2.15 million (+13%)
Semi-finalists:
A$1.25M (+14%)
Quarter-finalists:
A$750,000 (+13%)
Fourth round:
A$480,000 (+14%)
Third round:
A$327,750 (+13%)
Second round:
A$225,000 (+13%)
First round:
A$150,000 (+14%)
Qualifying rounds:
Q3: A$83,500 (+16%)
Q2: A$57,000 (+16%)
Q1: A$40,500 (+16%)
Prize Money Development
Prize money in the Australian Open has increased year on year since 2021. Back then, the total prize pot was A$71 million, meaning that since 2021, the prize money on offer has increased by just over 57%. Back then, the singles winners - Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka - earned A$2.75 million, compared to the 2025 winners - Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys - who won A$3.5 million. In just four years, the winners saw a 27% increase in winnings
Compared to last year, the 2026 prize money increased again by 16% alone and, on the increase, Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley, said: ”This 16 per cent increase demonstrates our commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level.”
The Australian Open (£55 million) is now the second most lucrative Grand Slam, behind the US Open at £67.4 million. Wimbledon offers £53.5 million, with the French Open having a total prize pot of £47.5 million.