Overview
- The USTA confirmed a record $108 million total purse for the US Open, a 20% increase that boosts the singles champions to $5.5 million each and raises payouts at every round and in qualifying.
- The payout schedule published by tournament organizers sets first‑round singles pay at $140,000, quarterfinals at $780,000, semifinals at $1.45 million and runner‑up at $2.8 million.
- The four Grand Slam tournaments announced a new player advisory council that will begin work at the US Open to give players formal input on pay and governance.
- The USTA said the prize increase responds to player criticism that Grand Slam compensation lagged behind the sport’s revenue growth and also pledged $2 million for a player support program covering career and life‑transition needs.
- Fans will face higher access costs as coverage and ticketing draw scrutiny: German viewers will not have free‑to‑air broadcasts and must use pay TV or paid streaming, and public commentary has questioned rising ticket prices for the event in Queens.