NEW YORK — The US Open is not just one of the most prestigious titles in tennis; it is also the sport's most lucrative payday.
As the final Grand Slam of the year, the tournament held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center annually offers the largest total prize money pool in tennis history, a figure that continues to climb and break new ground with each edition.
For the 2024 tournament, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has announced a record total prize fund of $65 million, marking a significant increase from the previous year and solidifying its position as the richest event in the sport.
A Record-Breaking Purse
The 2024 prize money represents a 6.7% increase over the 2023 total of $60.1 million. This continued upward trend underscores the commercial success and global appeal of the hard-court championship. A USTA spokesman emphasized the organization's commitment to player compensation, stating: "Our goal is to ensure the US Open remains the pinnacle of our sport in every respect, including financial reward."
This massive purse is distributed across men's and women's singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and wheelchair events, with the singles champions taking home the lion's share. The principle of equal pay for equal work is firmly entrenched, with men and women receiving identical prize money for each round.
Breaking Down the Singles Prize Money
The journey through the singles draw is rewarded handsomely at every stage. Even a player who loses in the first round earns a substantial paycheck, a crucial financial boost for many touring professionals.
The prize money distribution for the 2024 US Open Singles competitions is as follows (amounts are identical for men and women):
- Champion: $3,100,000
- Runner-up: $1,600,000
- Semi-finalist: $800,000
- Quarter-finalist: $430,000
- Round of 16: $250,000
- Round of 32: $145,000
- Round of 64: $95,000
- Round of 128 (First round): $65,000
It's important to note that these figures are for the main draw only. The qualifying tournament, held the week before the main event, also offers significant earnings, with a total pool of $4.5 million. A player who wins all three qualifying rounds to reach the main draw can earn over $50,000.
Doubles and Wheelchair Events
While singles captures most of the spotlight, the doubles competitions offer substantial rewards. The winning pair in men's, women's, or wheelchair doubles will split $700,000, while the mixed doubles champions share a prize of $165,000.
The USTA has also made significant strides in increasing prize money for wheelchair tennis, with a total pool of $1 million for the 2024 US Open, demonstrating a growing commitment to parity across all disciplines.
Historical Context: The Growth of Prize Money
The escalation of US Open prize money is a relatively modern phenomenon. In 1968, the first year of the Open Era, the total purse was just $100,000, with the men's champion, Arthur Ashe, taking home $14,000 and the women's champion, Virginia Wade, earning $6,000.
The push for equal pay was a major battle. The US Open became the first Grand Slam to offer equal prize money to men and women in 1973, thanks in large part to the advocacy of Billie Jean King. This landmark decision set a precedent that the other majors would eventually follow.
The real explosion in earnings began in the 2000s and 2010s, driven by massive broadcasting rights deals and corporate sponsorship. The total prize money has more than doubled in the last decade alone, from $25.5 million in 2013 to today's $65 million.
Where Does the Money Come From?
The staggering prize fund is generated through multiple revenue streams. Broadcast rights are the largest contributor, with deals spanning the globe. The USTA also secures significant income from corporate sponsorships, ticket sales, and hospitality packages.
Unlike Wimbledon or the Australian Open, which are run by national federations, the US Open is operated by the USTA, a non-profit organization. The enormous revenue generated by the tournament is reinvested into the sport, funding player development programs and community tennis initiatives across the United States.
The Impact on Players' Careers
For the top stars, a deep run in New York can define their financial year. A title can be worth over $3 million in prize money alone, not including performance bonuses from sponsors. As former champion Andy Murray once noted: "A good two weeks here can set you up for your entire career."
For lower-ranked players, a single main-draw win can cover travel costs, coaching fees, and equipment for months. The first-round prize of $65,000 is more than many players outside the top 100 earn in an entire season on the tour.
This financial reality highlights the importance of the Grand Slams. They are not just about glory and ranking points; they are essential for the economic viability of the professional tennis circuit, from the very top to its foundational ranks.
Looking Ahead
The trajectory of US Open prize money shows no signs of slowing down. As media rights values continue to soar and the global audience for tennis expands, the figures are expected to keep rising. The USTA has consistently prioritized increasing player compensation, particularly for those in the early rounds.
The US Open's prize money is a testament to the tournament's status as a global sporting spectacle. It represents the pinnacle of achievement in tennis, not only in terms of sporting glory but also in financial reward, ensuring that the champions of Flushing Meadows are handsomely rewarded for their historic efforts.