By Richard Pagliaro Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Image source: Australian Open Facebook
Stars range from Novak Djokovic on Coco Gauff Calls for majors to increase prize money.
Former world no.1 Patrick Rafter Don’t buy it.
in a Code Sports InterviewRafter said that while he’s glad players are making more bonuses than they were in his day, he finds it annoying and greedy when stars keep asking for more bonuses.
“I’m really happy [for today’s players]. But don’t keep asking for more and more,” Rafter said. “I think it boils down to greed. I think they made a lot of money. This annoys me. “
Two-time U.S. Open champion Rafter acknowledged that the majors now bring in more money than ever before, but said players should consider the majors’ investments in infrastructure costs.
“Most tournaments during the year don’t make money. This one makes a ton of money,” Rafter said of the Australian Open. “But at the same time, [the Australian Open] After putting in all this infrastructure, they still get paid handsomely.
“How much do you want? To me, I don’t like it. I just don’t like hearing it.”
March last year Coco Gough Joined a group of 20 top players in backing a signed letter making major demands to the bosses of the four Grand Slam tournaments. These include the following topics:
Grand Slam tournaments provide financial contributions to player welfare programs funded by the ATP and WTA.
Prize money should be increased to a more reasonable proportion of tournament revenue, based on a player’s contribution to the overall value of a Grand Slam.
Players should have more say in decisions that “directly impact competition and player health and welfare.”
This month, Gauff praised the Australian Open’s increased prize money but said it was still not a fair share given the revenue generated by the majors.
“From what I understand, their prize money has increased significantly this year,” Goff told media in Melbourne. “The percentage is still not where we want it to be compared to revenue.
“I think there needs to be further conversations, not just with the Australian Open but with all the Grand Slams. Our player representatives have been trying to do a lot for us because we can’t often do that in person. But, yes, I think, from my last update, the collective feeling is that, yes, progress has been made, but I still don’t think it’s what we wanted to see. We’re grateful for the progress that has been made.”
The 2026 Australian Open will pay out a record $111.5 million in prize money, or approximately $75 million, the tournament announced today.
This is the largest purse in tournament history, a 16% increase from the 2025 Australian Open’s $96.5 million purse.
AO bonus highlights include:
*All singles and doubles players will receive a 10% bonus.
*Eligible players will receive 16% more prize money than in 2025.
*The AO singles champion will receive a check of US$4.15 million, which is approximately US$2.79 million, an increase of 19% from 2025.
*AO singles finalists will earn $2.15 million, or approximately $1.45 million, a 13% increase from last year.
Former world number one Daniil Medvedev Praise for the increase in AO prize money but said revenue percentage was the main issue and called on the Grand Slams to provide more transparency when it comes to the bottom line.
“I think it’s a big increase, to use your words, a big increase. It’s certainly great,” Medvedev said. “What I thought was
It’s good now, like all the top ten teams, not just the players, because of course there’s a lot behind the team, we have a representative now that’s talking to the majors because I think, like in any other sport, the most important thing is, as you said, the percentage of revenue.
“Because there’s a lot of money. We’re not going to lie, right? There’s a lot of money in tennis. But I think the percentage of income is important. That’s the most important thing.
“So I don’t know if our prize money percentage is a public number. It should then be compared to other sports. So I’ll let our team deal with that. Hopefully that will lead to more transparency between the Grand Slams and the players because I think that will benefit everyone.”
