NEW YORK (BN24) — The 2025 US Open is poised to make history as the richest tennis tournament ever staged, with organizers announcing a record-breaking $90 million total prize purse — a significant 20% increase from last year’s $75 million fund.
Tournament officials confirmed Wednesday that both the men’s and women’s singles champions will walk away with $5 million each — a 39% jump from the $3.6 million awarded in 2024. This makes the US Open the first Grand Slam in history to offer such a high payout to its singles champions.
Substantial pay increases have also been introduced across the board for players reaching the later stages. Singles finalists will earn $2.5 million (up 26%), semifinalists will take home $1.26 million, and quarterfinalists will receive $660,000 — reflecting the tournament’s commitment to equitable reward at all levels of competition.
For the first time, champions of the men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles will each receive $1 million per team, signaling a major boost in support for doubles athletes.
The sweeping financial overhaul comes after reports surfaced of a letter signed by several top-ranked players urging all four Grand Slam events to raise prize money. In response, US Open organizers emphasized that the increases were designed to benefit all participants, not just those at the top, promising “double-digit percentage increases from 2024 in all rounds of all events.”
In addition to prize money, the US Open has set aside $5 million for player support expenses. Every competitor will receive a $1,000 travel stipend, plus lodging at the official hotel — two rooms per player — or a $600 per day allowance for private accommodations.
Qualifying rounds begin August 18, with the main draws for men’s and women’s singles running from August 24 through September 7 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.
This year’s tournament also introduces a new format for the mixed doubles competition. Scheduled ahead of the main event, the revamped draw will take place August 19–20 and feature high-profile teams including Carlos Alcaraz & Emma Raducanu, Jannik Sinner & Emma Navarro, Casper Ruud & Iga Świątek, and Aryna Sabalenka & Grigor Dimitrov.
The early scheduling aims to increase exposure and reduce calendar strain for top players. The USTA says the format change is designed to “elevate mixed doubles” by giving the discipline a standalone spotlight before the marquee singles matches commence.
However, not all players support the adjustment. Defending mixed doubles champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori criticized the restructured event as a “pseudo-exhibition” that undermines the integrity of the format and disrespects established doubles specialists.
Half of the 16-team draw will consist of wild card entries, while the remaining teams are determined based on combined singles rankings.
Despite the criticism, the USTA remains firm, stating that the change is aimed at enhancing fan engagement and showcasing mixed doubles on a bigger stage.
With record prize money, a fresh approach to doubles, and a growing list of star-studded matchups, the 2025 US Open is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile and financially rewarding events in tennis history.
Credit: Sky Sport
