The coronavirus pandemic and major financial crisis that is affecting pretty much all industries, including tennis, will not be felt that much at the 2020 US Open, as the tournament will offer $53.4 million in total player compensation, which is nearly 95% of the amount provided in 2019.
Total main draw singles and doubles purse will equal more than $43 million, while $7.6 million will be dedicated toward player relief.
The USTA, WTA and ATP worked together to create a payment structure that would ensure financial balance and support for players during an unprecedented time. First-round prize money for men’s and women’s singles increased by 5% compared to 2019 ($61,000 from $58,000), while second- and third-round singles prize money was unchanged. Doubles prize money for the rounds of 32, 16 and the quarterfinals also remained the same as 2019. Champions in men’s and women’s singles competition will each earn $3 million.
The distribution of prize money at the 2020 US Open will be as follows:
The USTA will also provide $6.6 million in additional relief grants and subsidies due to the decision to not hold the qualifying tournament and the reduction of the doubles draws. These funds will be allocated equally to the WTA and ATP, which will then make the determination of how to distribute and/or utilize them to provide replacement playing and ranking-point opportunities. Previously in 2020, the USTA contributed $1 million to an international player relief fund.
Thirteen Grand Slam singles champions and nine of the Top 10 women in the world headline the initial women’s singles entry list at the US Open. The WTA players that have opted out include: Ashleigh Barty, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Wang Qiang, Zheng Saisai, Julia Goerges, Zhu Lin, Wang Yafan, Anastasia Potapova, Ana Bogdan, Samantha Stosur, and Peng Shuai.
