The 2021 US Open will offer record $57.5 in total player compensation. It is a slight increase compared to the previous record payout set in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, singles champions will earn less than before, as prize money distribution has been redirected to qualifying and the first three rounds in an effort to support the greatest number of players.
Even though there will be no spectators at this year’s qualifying tournament in New York, total prize money in 2021 will be nearly $60 million, a 66% boost compared to 2019, the year US Open qualifying was last held.
The first-round main-draw prize money is now $75,000, a 23% increase over last year. Second-round prize money will be $115,000, compared to $100,000 in 2020 and 2019; and third-round prize money jumps to $180,000 from $163,000 in the last two years.
Singles champions will have their purses cut by 1/6, from last year’s $3 million to $2.5 million. Runner-ups will also earn less than before, $1.25 million compared to $1.5 in 2020. These payouts are the lowest since 2012, when singles champions earned $1.9 million and runner-ups $950,000.
Prize money has been increased for each competition within the US Open including the singles, doubles, mixed doubles and wheelchair competitions. The tournament provides equal prize money for women and men.
Main-draw action at the US Open begins August 30.
A step in the right direction, but they really need to give the players a bigger slice of the whole pie. Compared to other sports, slam players receive less % of the take than any other sport.
Where does all the savings go of not paying line people salaries, their hotels and expenses?