Carlos Alcaraz earned $1,124,380 for winning the men's singles title, almost $400,000 more than Iga Swiatek's prize. In previous years, the men's singles champion's earnings were more than double that of the women's. In 2024, Jannik Sinner received $1,049,460, while Aryna Sabalenka took home $523,485.

A similar discrepancy was seen for the runners-up. This year, Sinner earned $597,890, while his fellow Italian, Jasmine Paolini, received $391,600.

Sinner (left) and Alcaraz on the podium at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, at the Center Court in Ohio, USA on 18/8. Photo: Reuters

Sinner (left) and Alcaraz on the podium at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, at the Center Court in Ohio, USA on 18/8. Photo: Reuters

Compared to previous years, the 2025 Cincinnati Open prize money increased, with a 35.29% rise for men and a 60.43% increase for women. For the champions, the increase was around 44%. Overall, the prize money gap between men's and women's singles has narrowed, but it remains substantial, especially considering equal prize money at Grand Slam tournaments.

"We deserve the same prize money as the men", world number one women's player Sabalenka said. "It's unfair, from a TV, ticket sales, and everything perspective. Women deserve to be valued as much as men. Yes, they are physically stronger, but that doesn't mean we don't work as hard as they do".

Total prize money on the ATP Tour is around $9.2 million, almost double the WTA's approximately $5.2 million.

At the upcoming US Open, both the men's and women's singles champions will receive $5 million from a record $90 million total prize pool. In addition to increased prize money, the organizers of the final Grand Slam of the year have allocated $5 million to support players' travel, accommodation, and other services.

Vy Anh