USTA's Revamped U.S. Open Prize Money Includes Big Raise For Singles Players

Tennis players competing in the singles bracket of the U.S. Open are "getting a big raise this year," including a record $2.6M for each for the men's and women's champion, and $32,000 for everyone losing in the first round, according to Howard Fendrich of the AP. An announcement by the USTA yesterday showed the breakdown of its "across-the-board prize money overhaul," including players' per diems rising to $34.3M, up from last year's $25.5M. Runners-up will get $1.3M (up from $950,000), semifinalists $650,000 (up from $475,000) and quarterfinalists $325,000 (up from $237,500), which "all also are increases" of 37%. Players losing in the "fourth round of singles will be paid $165,000 (up from $120,000), in the third round $93,000 (up from $65,000) and in the second round $53,000 (up from $37,000)." Doubles prize money also will go up about 13%, while "paychecks for qualifying" will rise 37.5% to $1.4M (AP, 7/31).