Australian Open 2026 raises prize money but some players still have concerns

The Australian Open's prize pool rises 16% to A$111.5m with singles champions to receive $4.15m, while some players say the increase does not reflect a larger share of Grand Slam revenue.

The Australian Open has set a record prize fund for 2026 and announced increases across player payouts. Total prize money is A$111.5m, a 16% rise on last year. Singles champions will receive $4.15m each, which is a 19% increase on the 2025 winners. Tennis Australia described the move as support for tennis careers at every level. Key details: - Total prize money is reported as A$111.5m, a 16% increase and described as the largest player fund in the tournament's history. - The article reports the prize pot as £55m for this year's tournament. - Singles champions will receive $4.15m (£2.05m), a 19% increase on amounts awarded to 2025 winners Madison Keys and Jannik Sinner. - All singles and doubles players competing will receive a minimum increase of 10%. - Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said the increase demonstrates a commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level. - A source close to the players' group told BBC Sport that some leading players are likely to be disappointed that their key demands for a greater share of Grand Slam revenue and enhanced player welfare have been "largely ignored". Summary: The increases raise overall player payouts and boost individual champion awards while prompting continued concern from a group of leading players about revenue share and welfare. Undetermined at this time.