Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed he will compete in the tournament after more than four months out due to injury - Photo: AFP
The decision by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has received enthusiastic support from the world's top tennis players, who have affirmed that they will no longer oppose it. Previously, the French Open and Wimbledon had been boycotted by many players in terms of media coverage, demanding a higher revenue share for the tournaments.
With this new increase, the total prize money for the US Open has risen 44% since 2024. At this year's tournament, the champions in both the men's and women's singles will receive $5.5 million, while players eliminated in the first round will also receive $140,000, both of which are the highest prize money in tennis history.
Additionally, the United States Tennis Association announced a commitment of $2 million to a new player support program, aimed at providing benefits and supplementing existing pension funds. The US Open is the first Grand Slam tournament to make an additional financial commitment to improve player welfare, a move that will put pressure on other Grand Slam tournaments to take similar action.
In other news, Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz (a seven-time Grand Slam champion) has officially confirmed his return to the 2026 US Open, ending a four-month absence due to a wrist injury.
The 2026 US Open will take place from August 23rd to September 13th. Carlos Alcaraz is the reigning men's singles champion, while Aryna Sabalenka is the women's singles champion.