Australian Open prize money hits record high

Melbourne, Jan. 7: Australian Open prize money has increased by 16% on last year to a record total for the tournament starting January 18.

Organizers of the season's first tennis major on Tuesday announced their largest prize pool ever in local currency, with the total for 2026 set at 111.5 million Australian dollars (US$75 million). That was up from 96.5 million Australian dollars in 2025.

The women's and men's singles champions will win 4.15 million Australian dollars ($2.8 million), a 19% increase on last year. Prize money for the qualifying tournament will increase by 16% and organizers say all main draw singles and doubles players will get a minimum 10% increase.

Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said the increase "demonstrates our commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level."

"From boosting qualifying prize money by 55% since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we're ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors," Tiley said. "By supporting players at all levels, we're building deeper talent pools and more compelling storylines for fans."

Similarly, the Battle of the Sexes exhibition was a bit of fun for Aryna Sabalenka, and a showdown she also regarded as good preparation for the Australian Open.

In her first match since playing Nick Kyrgios in Dubai last month, top-ranked Sabalenka overwhelmed No. 50 Cristina Bucsa 6-0, 6-1 on Tuesday to start her title defense at the Brisbane International. The aim was to lay down a marker ahead of a potential quarterfinal against Madison Keys, who had a 6-4, 6-3 win over McCartney Kessler.

The exhibition attracted some criticism but also, at least as far as Sabalenka is concerned, a lot of positive attention. "It was fun. It was a great challenge. I think we brought so many eyes on tennis," she said. "What I'm sad about is that some people got it wrong, the whole idea of that event.

"And I don't care. I feel like there's always going to be people who don't like you, don't respect you, don't support you, but there's so many people who support me, who really cheer me on and who find inspiration in me. I'm focusing on that part."

Sabalenka's focus now is getting back onto a winning roll in Australia. She won back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2023 and '24 and was on a 20-match winning streak at Melbourne Park until a loss in last year's final to Keys.(AP)