The Australian Open has smashed its own prize money record for the 2025 tournament, with Tennis Australia announcing a staggering total purse of $111.5 million. This represents a significant 16% increase on the previous year, reinforcing the tournament's reputation as the 'happy slam' for player compensation.
Record Rewards for Champions and Qualifiers Alike
The winners of the men's and women's singles titles, including 2025 champion Madison Keys and runner-up Aryna Sabalenka, will each receive $4.5 million. This marks a 19% rise from the $3.5 million awarded in 2024. In a move aimed at supporting the sport's broader professional base, players who lose in the qualifying rounds have seen the next largest boost.
Qualifying prize money has surged by an impressive 55% since 2023. Consequently, competitors exiting at the earliest stage will still take home a minimum of $40,500. Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley emphasised that this 16% overall increase demonstrates a "commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level" and ensuring the sport's sustainability.
Financial Windfall Fuels Player Investment
This record-breaking prize fund is powered by Tennis Australia's own spectacular revenue growth. Documents filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) reveal that TA's income for the year to September 2025 reached $693 million, a jump of $102 million.
The revenue surge is attributed to successful commercial strategies, including re-engineered ticket pricing, audience monetisation, and a lucrative new broadcast deal with Channel Nine worth an estimated $80 million annually. Despite rising expenses of $681 million, TA reported a net surplus of $15.8 million.
Beyond prize money, player support has been enhanced through a 67% increase in travel assistance and various welfare initiatives. The organisation is also expanding its role as a technology investor, with acquisitions in sport and entertainment tech rising to $66.1 million.
Broader Context and Player Relations
The prize money announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about player pay and conditions on the global tour. Tennis Australia and the Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA) are reportedly finalising a settlement related to a US antitrust lawsuit, with TA describing recent talks as "productive."
This financial commitment places the Australian Open's total prize pool ahead of Wimbledon's 2025 offering of $108 million, though it remains behind the US Open's $134 million. The accounts also show that compensation for CEO Craig Tiley and senior executives rose 7% to $11.1 million in 2025.
