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The 2026 Australian Open (AO) is off to a smashing start in Melbourne, with the Southern Hemisphere’s largest annual sporting event already breaking single-day crowd records in its first week. But that isn’t the first milestone being ticked off this year. Thanks to a major investment from Tennis Australia, the AO is offering a record-breaking prize pool of $111.5 million in 2026 – an overall increase of 16 per cent from 2025. Curious how much each player takes home? We’ve got the full breakdown.
Singles
Let’s start with the main event: the singles tournaments. Both the men’s and women’s champions will pocket $4.15 million, which is a 19 per cent increase from the $3.5 million awarded in 2025. Meanwhile, runners-up will walk away with $2.15 million and semi-finalists will score $1.25 million. Even players from the first to fourth rounds see a 13 to 14 per cent increase in winnings from 2025, and those exiting in the qualifying rounds get a 16 per cent boost, meaning even players who lose at the earliest stage still earn $40,500.
- Winner: $4.15 million
- Runner-up: $2.15 million
- Semi-finalists: $1.25 million
- Quarter-finalists: $750,000
- Fourth round: $480,000
- Third round: $327,750
- Second round: $225,000
- First round: $150,000
- Qualifying per round:
Q3: $83,500
Q2: $57,000
Q1: $40,500
Doubles
In the doubles events, both the men’s and women’s champion teams will win $900,000 (per team), while the runners-up earn $485,000 and the semi-finalists get $275,000. It’s well below the singles tournament prize pool, but still a seriously impressive sum.
- Winner: $900,000
- Runner-up: $485,000
- Semi-finalists: $275,000
- Quarter-finalists: $158,000
- Third round: $92,000
- Second round: $64,000
- First round: $44,000
How much do ball boys/girls get paid?
Ball kids at the Australian Open aren’t paid; they’re considered volunteers and instead score perks like free uniforms, tickets and food.