USTA Announces Record $90 Million Prize Pool for 2025 U.S. Open

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has announced a record-breaking $90 million prize pool for the 2025 U.S. Open, marking a 20% increase from the previous year and setting a new benchmark in tennis history. This substantial boost in prize money comes amid growing calls from top players for a fairer distribution of tournament revenues.

The 2025 U.S. Open, scheduled from August 24 to September 7, will award $5 million each to the men's and women's singles champions, a significant rise from the $3.6 million awarded in 2024. First-round singles participants will receive $110,000, up 10% from the previous year. Men's and women's doubles champions will each earn $1 million, while a newly introduced mixed doubles event during the tournament's "Fan Week" will also award $1 million to the winners.

This increase aligns with ongoing efforts by top players advocating for a higher share of tournament revenues. In March 2025, a group of 20 elite players, including Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff, signed a letter addressed to the leadership of the four major tournaments, requesting increased prize money and more influence in key decisions affecting their careers. Djokovic highlighted the disparity in revenue sharing between tennis and other major American sports, stating, "I'm just going to state a fact, the pie split between the governing bodies in major sports, all major American sports like NFL, NBA, baseball, NHL, is 50 percent. Maybe more, maybe less, but around 50 percent. Ours is way lower than that."

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), co-founded by Djokovic, has initiated legal action against the sport's governing bodies, alleging antitrust violations and labeling them as "co-conspirators" in what they describe as a "cartel."

In addition to the increased prize money, the 2025 U.S. Open will feature several notable changes:

• Extended Schedule: The singles competitions will extend to 15 days, with matches beginning on Sunday, August 24, to improve scheduling and player recovery time.

• Mixed Doubles Event: A new mixed doubles event will take place during the tournament's "Fan Week," featuring a fast-paced format and a $1 million prize for the winners. This format has drawn criticism from professional doubles players for prioritizing entertainment over traditional play.

• Player Support: The USTA will provide additional support to players, including a $1,000 travel stipend, two hotel rooms at the official hotel, or a $600 daily compensation if they choose alternative accommodations. Players will also receive up to five free racket stringings per round.

These enhancements accompany an $800 million renovation of Arthur Ashe Stadium, signaling the USTA's significant investment in the future of the U.S. Open. The project includes a top-to-bottom transformation of the stadium and a new $250 million player performance center, set to be completed by the 2027 U.S. Open.

The record-breaking prize money and structural changes at the 2025 U.S. Open have several implications:

• Player Welfare: The increased compensation and support services may enhance player satisfaction and performance, addressing longstanding concerns about financial disparities and support within the sport.

• Economic Impact: The substantial prize pool and tournament enhancements are likely to attract higher attendance and viewership, boosting local economies and increasing global interest in tennis.

• Precedent for Other Tournaments: This move may set a precedent for other Grand Slam tournaments to reevaluate and potentially increase their prize money and player support structures.

The USTA's historic prize money increase and accompanying structural changes reflect a significant response to player advocacy efforts and may have a lasting impact on the sport of tennis and its stakeholders.