The 2026 US Open is offering a record-breaking prize pot this year, with the world's best tennis players competing for a share of $108 million (£80m) in prize money. The final Grand Slam of the year has once again raised the stakes at Flushing Meadows, with the overall prize fund representing an increase of $18m on last year's tournament.
The men's and women's singles champions will each take home $5.5m (£4.1m) after the tournament, making it the biggest winner's prize in tennis history. That means the two singles champions will collectively pocket $11m, while the runners-up will each receive $2.8m.
The US Open continues to offer equal prize money to men and women in the singles competition, with the same payments available at every stage of the tournament.
Women's Final: Sabalenka vs Rybakina
The women's singles final sees Aryna Sabalenka take on Elena Rybakina at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday. Sabalenka, the world No.1 and defending champion, is bidding to win the US Open for a third consecutive year. Victory would see her become the first woman since Serena Williams to complete a three-peat at Flushing Meadows.
The Belarusian has reached her fourth consecutive US Open final and comes into the match with 19 successive victories at the tournament. She booked her place in the final by beating Jessica Pegula in straight sets.
Standing in her way is Rybakina, who will become the new world No.1 regardless of the result. The Kazakh, who won Wimbledon in 2022 and has two Grand Slam titles to her name, defeated Coco Gauff in three sets in the semi-finals to reach her first US Open final.
It will be a rematch of this year's Australian Open final, when Rybakina defeated Sabalenka in three sets. Sabalenka leads their overall head-to-head 10-7, but their recent meetings have been extremely close. The women's final is scheduled to begin at 9pm UK time on Saturday, September 12.
Men's Final: Zverev vs Shelton
The men's singles final will see Alexander Zverev face American Ben Shelton on Sunday. Zverev, the top seed, reached the final by beating Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 in the semi-finals.
The German is appearing in his second US Open final and is looking to add another Grand Slam title to his collection after winning the French Open earlier this year. His opponent will be 23-year-old American Shelton, who produced one of the biggest moments of his career by defeating compatriot Frances Tiafoe in four sets in the other semi-final.
Shelton's victory means he is the first Black American man to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972. He is also bidding to end a 23-year wait for an American men's singles Grand Slam champion, with Andy Roddick the last American man to win a major when he triumphed at the US Open in 2003.
Zverev has dominated his previous meetings with Shelton, winning all five of their matches to date. But Shelton will have the home crowd behind him when the pair meet in Sunday's final. The men's final is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, with play due to begin at 7pm UK time.
Singles Prize Money Breakdown
The singles prize money is substantial even for players who fall short of the latter stages. The champions will receive $5.5m, while the losing finalists will earn $2.8m.
Players reaching the semi-finals are guaranteed $1.45m, while quarter-finalists receive $780,000. A run to the last 16 is worth $480,000, with players reaching the last 32 guaranteed $290,000.
Even reaching the second round of the main draw is worth $190,000, while every player eliminated in the first round receives $140,000.
- First round: $140,000
- Second round: $190,000
- Third round: $290,000
- Round of 16: $480,000
- Quarterfinals: $780,000
- Semifinals: $1,450,000
- Runner-up: $2,800,000
- Winner: $5,500,000
