Australian Open 2026: Prize money increases but some players remain concerned

Star names including Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Alexander Zverev are among the top 20 men’s and women’s players tied with the top four teams in the entire field for a higher ratio of prize money to revenue.

The group also wants more consultation on the structure of the sport, as well as increased contributions from the Grand Slams to pensions, healthcare and maternity.

While Australian tennis accounts for 2025 have not yet been published, the Australian Financial Review reported., external The governing body – whose income is largely generated from the Australian Open – received $697.2m (£346m) in total revenue.

This figure means that this year’s Australian Open prizes amount to about 16% of the organizing body’s revenue.

In 2025, the US Open provided 16% of the previous year’s revenue to players, while Wimbledon (13%) and the French Open – which does not make its figures available – provided a smaller share.

Top players from each Grand Slam tournament are asking for a gradual increase over the next five years, eventually getting closer to the 22% mark they receive in some combined ATP and WTA tour events.

The rise in total prize money this year means the Australian Open offers more than Wimbledon (£53.5m) and the French Open (£47.5m) in 2025, although it still lags the US Open (£67.4m).

The Australian Open begins in Melbourne on January 18.