Coco Gauff and the rest of the tennis stars have welcomed the 16% increase in the Australian Open prize money pool from last year. The 2026 Australian Open announced a record prize pool of A$111.5 million (US$75 million), the largest prize pool in the tournament’s history. The champions from men’s and women’s singles will each earn A$4.15 million, which is 19% increase from last year.
Ahead of her first round match against unseeded Kamilla Rakhimova, Gauff reacted to the increase in prize money but stressed that the share of revenue distributed to players still isn’t where they want it, not only in Melbourne but across other Grand Slams as well.
“Yeah, I mean, from my understanding, like, they obviously increased the prize money this year,” Gauff told reporters in her press conference (2:44). “Um, but the percentage, I think, in terms of revenue comparison, is still not where we would like it. Um, and yeah, I think there are still further conversations that have to be had, not just with the Australian Open, but with all the Slams.”
Gauff acknowledged that the players respect the progress that has been made thus far.
“And, we have player representatives who have been working really hard to do a lot of that for us, um, because we can’t do it in person as often,” Gauff said. “Um, but yeah, I would like to, well, from my last update, the collective, um, feeling is that, yes, there’s been progress, but I still think it’s not where we would like to see it. But, um, we are grateful for the progress that has been made.”
How Much Coco Gauff & Co. Are Set to Earn Based on Where They Finish in 2026 Australian Open
Coco Gauff and the rest of the tennis stars across both men’s and women’s will enjoy a boost in earnings when they take the court in Melbourne. Every round finish has a minimum of 10% increase. This includes travel assistance and welfare initiatives.
“This 16 per cent increase demonstrates our commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level,” Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said via AO website. “From boosting qualifying prize money by 55 per cent since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we’re ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors.”
Here’s the complete distribution of prize money with respect to the spike from last year’s prize pool:
- Winner: A$4.15M (+19%)
- Runner-up: A$2.15M (+13%)
- Semifinalists: A$1.25M (+14%)
- Quarterfinalists: A$750K (+13%)
- Fourth round: A$480K (+14%)
- Third round: A$327.75K (+13%)
- Second round: A$225K (+13%)
- First round: A$150K (+14%)
- Qualifying per round:
- Q3: A$83.5K (+16%)
- Q2: A$57K (+16%)
- Q1: A$40.5K (+16%)
The increment is in line with Tennis Australia’s $135 million investment to support the professional tennis community.
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