Less than two weeks is remaining before the US Open, the last grand slam of the year, kickstarts at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. For the first time in its history, the prize money purse has crossed $60 million bettering the last year’s compensation of $57.5 million.

The US Open singles winner, in both men’s and women’s categories, will take $2.6 million home, while the runner-ups will get a check of $1.3 million – an increase of $100, 000 from the last year.

The biggest beneficiaries of the inflated purse will be lower-ranked players, who usually get knocked out in the early stages of the game. An amount of $80,000 will be given to players who suffer the first-round exit, while those reaching the second round will secure $121,000 in prize money.

Breakdown Of Singles Prize Money

“Main draw payouts are now set at $80,000 for the first round and $121,000 for the second round, an 85% and 57% increase since 2016, respectively,” read a statement from the USTA. 

Unlike in other sports, there’s no pay disparity between gender. For reaching the semi-finals, the players will earn $705,000. The champions of the doubles category will take home $688,000, while the runner-ups will get exactly half of that amount. 

Among four grand slams, the US Open always had the biggest prize pots. Only Australian Open has a purse of over $50 million, while both French Open and Wimbledon pay around $49 million to the participants.

Breakdown Of Doubles Prize Money

In the men’s category, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev are prime contenders for this year’s tournament. With Novak Djokovic already out due to his vaccine status and Rafael Nadal yet to overcome the injury, the US Open may have a new winner this time. 

In the women’s category, all eyes will be on the likes of Iga Swiatek, Simona Halep, and Paula Badosa. Serena Williams, the six-time US Open singles champion, will be playing her last tournament in front of the home crowd. 

Lead image: US Open/Twitter