Australian Open 2026 Preview: Record Prize Money and Historic Stakes in Melbourne

This year’s Australian Open in Melbourne is setting new standards in tennis history, featuring a record-breaking total prize pool of AUD 111.5 million.

With a spectacular opening ceremony at Rod Laver Arena, the 114th edition of the Australian Open, one of the four biggest tournaments in world tennis, was officially launched.

The crowd was entertained by legends of the sport, including Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, Ashleigh Barty and Pat Rafter.

When main-draw matches begin on the night between Saturday and Sunday (Central European Time), players will be competing not only for prestigious trophies but also for record prize money never seen before in tennis.

The first Grand Slam of the season has reached unprecedented financial heights, with the total prize fund rising to AUD 111.5 million (approximately €64 million) — the highest in the tournament’s history. This represents a 16% increase compared to 2025 (AUD 96.5 million), marking the largest-ever budget allocated to players at the Australian Open.

Both the men’s and women’s singles champions will receive equal prize money, earning AUD 4,150,000 (€2.4 million) each, alongside ranking points and sporting glory. No tennis tournament winner in history has ever earned such a sum, further underlining the significance of this year’s Australian Open.

“This investment reflects Tennis Australia’s commitment to the careers of tennis players at all levels — from rising stars to Grand Slam champions - and ensures that our sport remains sustainable for everyone,” said Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia and Tournament Director of the Australian Open.

The growth of the prize pool is also evident in the qualifying rounds, where prize money has increased by 16%. Players competing in the first round of qualifying now receive AUD 40,500 (€23,400) just for participating.

In the main draw, every first-round player will earn AUD 150,000 (€86,500), while reaching the third round guarantees AUD 327,750 (around €190,000). Semi-finalists in both the men’s and women’s competitions will receive AUD 1,250,000, while the finalists will share a combined AUD 6.3 million - AUD 4.15 million for the champion and AUD 2.15 million for the runner-up.

The Australian Open is pushing the boundaries not only of world tennis but of global sport as a whole, as no other individual competition offers prize money of this magnitude. Regardless of who lifts the trophies in 15 days’ time, the Australian Open has already secured its place in the history of the “white sport”.

Prize money by round (men’s and women’s singles)

Winner: AUD 4.15 million (+19% vs 2025)

Runner-up: AUD 2.15 million (+13%)

Semi-finalists: AUD 1.25 million (+14%)

Quarter-finalists: AUD 750,000 (+13%)

Fourth round: AUD 480,000 (+14%)

Third round: AUD 327,750 (+13%)

Second round: AUD 225,000 (+13%)

First round: AUD 150,000 (+14%)

Favourites to watch at Australian Open 2026

As always, the race for the titles at the Australian Open is led by a familiar mix of established champions and new-generation contenders.

On the men’s side, Jannik Sinner enters the tournament as the man to beat. Chasing a historic third consecutive Australian Open crown, the world No.1 arrives in Melbourne with momentum, confidence and a proven ability to peak on hard courts at Rod Laver Arena. Standing in his way is Carlos Alcaraz, whose explosive all-court game and hunger for a career Grand Slam make him one of the most dangerous players in the draw.

Then there is Novak Djokovic, whose record-breaking history in Melbourne ensures he can never be discounted. Even in the twilight of his career, Djokovic remains a serious title threat, especially at a venue where he has repeatedly delivered his very best tennis.

In the women’s draw, Aryna Sabalenka starts as the clear favourite. With two Australian Open titles already in her collection, she arrives aiming to reinforce her grip on the world No.1 ranking. Her biggest challengers include Iga Swiatek, who is pursuing the career Grand Slam, as well as Coco Gauff, whose athleticism and consistency make her a constant threat in the later rounds.

Dark horses such as Elena Rybakina and Madison Keys add further intrigue, while local favourite Alex de Minaur carries Australian hopes of a deep run on home soil.

With elite champions, historic milestones and genuine depth across both draws, Australian Open 2026 is shaping up as one of the most competitive editions in recent memory.