The total prize money for the Australia Open is 75 million USD, a 16% increase from last year. This places the Melbourne event ahead of Wimbledon, which has a prize fund of 72,2 million USD, but still behind the US Open (90 million USD).

The year's first Grand Slam in Melbourne runs from 18/1 to 1/2. The men's and women's singles champions will each receive 2,8 million USD, a 19% increase from 2,4 million USD 12 months ago. Even players who do not advance past the qualifying rounds will earn at least 27,3 thousand USD, a 16% rise. Compared to 2023, the prize money allocated for Australia Open qualifiers has increased by 55%. Additionally, TA has invested more, up to 67%, in a fund to support players' travel and living expenses.

Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, during the 2025 Australia Open, viewed from above. *Photo: Reuters*

The significant increase in the prize fund is attributed to the substantial revenue TA generated in the 2025 season. According to a report by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), TA achieved revenues exceeding 466 million USD by September 2025, an increase of nearly 70 million USD compared to the same period in 2024. While the report did not detail specific profits, it indicated that the majority of funds came from government sponsorship, commercial partners, television rights, and ticket sales.

Beyond the players, compensation for TA executives also sees annual increases. CEO Craig Tiley and his associates will receive an additional 7,5 million USD, a 7% rise from 7 million USD in 2024.

Despite TA's operating costs rising to 458 million USD, nearly matching its revenue, the organization still generated a surplus of approximately 8 million USD, a 5 million USD increase over 2024. In 2023, TA reported a profit of 41,7 million USD, aided by the Victorian state government forgiving a 29 million USD loan incurred during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Recently, TA has been actively negotiating with the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), an organization co-founded by Novak Djokovic. An agreement is reportedly close, aiming to avoid potential litigation from the PTPA. Since 2025, the PTPA has consistently pressured all four Grand Slams to increase prize money and urged the ATP and WTA to improve financial transparency.

Vy Anh