Doubles events are also benefiting from the increased prize money // Picture Courtesy — SABC Sport
In 2024, every stage of the US Open will see a rise in prize money compared to last year.
The 2024 US Open is setting new records with its largest prize pool in tennis history. This year’s tournament will offer a staggering $75 million in player compensation, representing a 15% increase from the previous year. This unprecedented purse not only reflects the tournament’s growth but also sets a new standard for financial rewards in tennis.
In 2024, every stage of the US Open will see a rise in prize money compared to last year. The men’s and women’s singles champions will each receive $3.6 million, a significant increase from the $3 million awarded in 2023. This 20% bump highlights the tournament’s ongoing commitment to enhancing player rewards and elevating the prestige of the event.
For players exiting in the first round of the main draw, the compensation has also seen a notable increase. First-round losers in both the men’s and women’s singles will now earn $100,000, a 23% rise from the $81,000 awarded last year. This boost represents a substantial improvement over the past five years, during which first-round main draw prize money has grown by 72% since 2019.
The prize money for players who lose in the final round of qualifying has also seen a significant rise. In 2024, these players will receive $52,000, a 16% increase from the previous year and a 63% rise from 2019. This reflects the US Open’s commitment to providing better financial rewards to players at all stages of the tournament.
Doubles events are also benefiting from the increased prize money. The total purse for men’s and women’s doubles will see a 9% increase from 2023, while mixed doubles prize money is rising by 18%. These increases demonstrate the US Open’s focus on enhancing financial incentives across all competition formats, acknowledging the contributions of doubles and mixed doubles players.
A notable change for the 2024 tournament is the absence of the US Open Wheelchair Championships, a result of the Paralympic Games taking precedence. In response, the USTA has introduced a grant program for wheelchair players who would have participated in the event. This initiative ensures that these athletes receive compensation equivalent to prize money, maintaining support for players affected by the tournament’s cancellation.
The breakdown of prize money for the main draw singles is as follows:
Champion:$3,600,000
Runner-Up:$1,800,000
Semifinalists:$1,000,000
Quarterfinalists:$530,000
Round of 16:$325,000
Round of 32:$215,000
Round of 64:$140,000
Round of 128:$100,000
These figures illustrate the US Open’s dedication to rewarding players across all stages of the tournament. The significant increases at each level of competition highlight the event’s role in supporting and valuing the efforts of its participants.
The record prize money at the 2024 US Open not only underscores the tournament’s financial growth but also mirrors a broader trend in tennis toward higher player compensation. This surge in earnings reflects the sport’s growing commercial success and the increasing financial support for its athletes. By setting this new benchmark, the US Open continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of tennis, enhancing the sport’s appeal, and attracting top talent from around the world.
In summary, the 2024 US Open’s record prize money highlights a significant evolution in the financial landscape of tennis. By increasing compensation across all rounds and events, the tournament reaffirms its position as a leading force in the sport, committed to rewarding excellence and supporting its players at every level.
