Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton meet at Arthur Ashe Stadium on 13 September, with the German chasing a second major title and the American seeking his first. The runner-up will receive $2.8 million.
The 2026 tournament has raised total player compensation to $108 million, a 20 per cent increase on last year’s $90 million purse and a 44 per cent rise over two years. Men’s and women’s singles prize money is equal.
2026 US Open singles prize money (men and women)
| Round | Prize money |
|---|---|
| Champion | $5,500,000 |
| Finalist | $2,800,000 |
| Semi-finalist | $1,450,000 |
| Quarter-finalist | $780,000 |
| Round of 16 | $480,000 |
| Round of 32 | $290,000 |
| Round of 64 | $190,000 |
| Round of 128 | $140,000 |
First-round players in the main draw earn a minimum of $140,000. Qualifying prize money also rose, with the final qualifying round worth $66,000.
Doubles champions (men’s and women’s) receive $1 million per team. Mixed doubles winners also collect $1 million per team. Combined singles prize money for the two draws stands at $37.84 million.
Zverev, 29, holds a 1-4 record in Grand Slam finals. Shelton is appearing in a major championship match for the first time after beating Frances Tiafoe in an all-American semi-final. Last year’s singles champions, Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, each earned $5 million; this year’s winners will take home an extra $500,000.
The US Open remains the richest tennis tournament in the world. Sunday’s final will decide not only the last Grand Slam title of 2026 but also which player leaves Flushing Meadows with the sport’s largest singles payday.