US Open prize money soars after player protests at Wimbledon and French Open

A historic prize pot has been unveiled for this month’s US Open, marking another substantial financial increase for the tournament.

Standing at $108 million (roughly £80 million), the record-breaking total fund is the largest ever seen in tennis, following a second consecutive 20 per cent year-on-year boost.

The men’s and women’s singles champions will each take home $5.5 million (around £4 million), while players eliminated in the opening round are set to earn in excess of £100,000.

Organisers hope the bumper package will prove sufficient to avoid a repeat of the player protests witnessed at both the French Open and Wimbledon.

A collective of top competitors, including world number ones Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, has spent the past 18 months lobbying major tournaments under the banner of Project RedEye over remuneration and other grievances.

Aryna Sabalenka was involved in player protests at the French Open and Wimbledon (Reuters)

At Roland Garros, athletes restricted their pre-event media obligations to 15 minutes per person, an action replicated at Wimbledon despite welcoming a 20 per cent prize money rise.

Further action planned for the opening week in London was called off after talks, with the four majors subsequently confirming the creation of a grand slam player advisory council alongside the New York payout news.

Central to player dissatisfaction was a perceived lack of influence in administrative decisions, with the grand slams confirming the new board would act as “the forum for direct communication, feedback and collaboration between the grand slams and players”.

The body is due to be established following the US Open, which runs from August 30 to September 13, with players invited to submit applications.

It will also offer a platform to examine player welfare initiatives, representing another major area of concern for competitors.

Included in the overall funding package is a 2million dollar (approximately £1.5million) allocation towards a newly created US Open player support scheme.

United States Tennis Association chief executive Craig Tiley, who recently made the transition from Tennis Australia, said: “This is a significant first step in a multi-year investment in athletes as the US Open continues to be the best economic opportunity for players and the most valuable platform in tennis for players, fans and partners.

“We are proud to deliver record-setting prize money and expanded player benefits as well as providing a new platform to work together with players.”

Speaking on behalf of the slams regarding the new panel, Wimbledon chair Debbie Jevans said: “We have listened to the players’ desire for a greater voice and this advisory council is an important step towards a stronger relationship between the grand slams and the players.

“We look forward to working together to elevate the player experience, further enhance the grand slam tournaments and ensure the sport continues to thrive.”