Emma Raducanu, the British tennis prodigy who stunned the world with her 2021 US Open victory, is set to benefit from a significant increase in prize money at this year's tournament. The 21-year-old's historic win two years ago earned her £1.8 million, but the champion's purse has since doubled, offering an even more lucrative reward for this year's victor.
A Financial Ace for Raducanu
Raducanu's fairytale run at Flushing Meadows in 2021 saw her become the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam title. Her remarkable achievement not only cemented her place in tennis history but also transformed her financial prospects overnight.
While injury struggles have prevented her from defending her title this year, the increased prize money highlights just how valuable her 2021 triumph was. Had she competed and won again in 2023, Raducanu would have pocketed an eye-watering £3 million – more than double her previous earnings.
US Open Prize Money Soars
The United States Tennis Association has significantly boosted the tournament's total prize fund to £53 million for 2023, representing a 25% increase from 2022. This means:
- First-round losers now earn £68,000 (up from £58,000 in 2022)
- The men's and women's singles champions will each receive £3 million
- Total prize money has increased by 125% since 2016
Raducanu's Enduring Legacy
Despite her current absence from the tour, Raducanu's impact on British tennis remains undeniable. Her 2021 victory:
- Inspired a new generation of British players
- Drew record viewing figures for women's tennis
- Demonstrated the life-changing potential of Grand Slam success
As the US Open gets underway, Raducanu's achievement continues to resonate, both on and off the court. The increased prize money serves as another reminder of just how extraordinary her New York fairytale was two years ago.
