NEW YORK — The US Open is set to make history this year by offering the "largest purse in tennis history," with the men's and women's singles champions each earning a staggering $5 million (£3.7 million). The total prize money pool for the tournament will reach an unprecedented $90 million (£67.4 million), reinforcing the US Open's reputation as one of the most lucrative events in professional tennis.
The announcement, made by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), marks a significant increase from last year's prize money and underscores the tournament's commitment to rewarding players at all levels of competition. USTA CEO Lew Sherr stated, "This year's prize money reflects our dedication to supporting players and ensuring the US Open remains a pinnacle event in the sport."
Record-Breaking Prize Money Breakdown
The 2024 US Open will distribute its $90 million purse across all events, with significant increases for early-round competitors as well. Here’s a breakdown of the key payouts:
- Singles Champions: $5 million each (up from $3 million in 2023)
- Singles Runners-Up: $2.5 million each
- Semifinalists: $1.25 million each
- Quarterfinalists: $750,000 each
- First-Round Participants: $100,000 (a 25% increase from 2023)
The prize money for doubles and wheelchair events has also seen substantial boosts, with the doubles champions now earning $700,000 per team. Sherr emphasized, "We want to ensure that every player, from qualifiers to champions, is fairly compensated for their efforts."
Why the Increase?
The decision to raise prize money comes amid growing discussions about player compensation in tennis, particularly for those outside the top rankings. The USTA cited several factors driving the increase:
- Record Revenue: Sponsorship and broadcast deals have surged, allowing for higher payouts.
- Player Advocacy: Organizations like the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) have pushed for better earnings.
- Inflation Adjustments: Rising costs of travel and training have been considered.
Novak Djokovic, a vocal advocate for player earnings, praised the move: "This is a step in the right direction. Tennis is a global sport, and players at all levels deserve to be rewarded fairly."
How Does It Compare to Other Majors?
The US Open now leads the pack in prize money among Grand Slam tournaments. Here’s how it stacks up against other majors in 2024:
- Wimbledon: $50 million total purse (singles winners: $2.9 million)
- French Open: $54 million total purse (singles winners: $2.6 million)
- Australian Open: $58 million total purse (singles winners: $3.1 million)
The disparity highlights the US Open's financial dominance, though critics argue that other tournaments should follow suit. Tennis analyst Mary Carillo noted, "The US Open has always been a trendsetter. This could pressure other Slams to raise their payouts."
Player Reactions
The announcement has been met with widespread approval from players. Current women's world No. 1 Iga Świątek said, "It’s amazing to see such a big increase. This helps everyone, especially those who don’t always make deep runs but still contribute to the sport."
Meanwhile, rising star Carlos Alcaraz added, "As a young player, this kind of support makes a huge difference. It motivates us to keep pushing our limits."
The Bigger Picture
The prize money hike is part of a broader effort to grow the sport and attract top talent. The USTA has also invested in facility upgrades, including a retractable roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium and expanded player amenities.
USTA President Brian Hainline explained, "Our goal is to make the US Open the best experience for players and fans alike. This is just one piece of that vision."
Conclusion
With its record-breaking purse, the 2024 US Open is set to be a landmark event in tennis history. The increased prize money not only rewards current stars but also supports the next generation of players, ensuring the sport's continued growth.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Flushing Meadows to see who will claim the largest paychecks in tennis. One thing is certain: the US Open has raised the bar, and the rest of the tennis world will be watching closely.