Players get 'four-digit' sweet welcome gift at 2026 US Open
The tournament has also raised the prize pool for the grand slam at Flushing Meadows
Players heading into the US Open this year will receive a pleasant surprise right after landing in New York.
Tournament organisers have decided to hand out a welcome package worth $3,500 (Rs. 3.34 lakh approx.) to every single player taking part, and isn’t just limited to the big names in the main draw. Even those who came through the qualifying rounds have been included in this generous gesture.
The package includes a $2,500 Uber credit, which players can use to get around the city or even order food.
Also Read: Who are the wildcard picks at US Open 2026?
On top of that, players also received a $1,000 American Express gift card, giving them a bit of extra spending money during their stay.
For lower-ranked players especially, this kind of support can make a real difference, since travelling, staying, and competing in a Grand Slam for several weeks doesn’t come cheap.
A bigger conversation around player pay
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This isn’t happening in isolation either. The US Open has also announced record prize money this year, with even players losing in the very first round of qualifying taking home a solid $32,000 (Rs 30.54 lakh), while those reaching the third round of qualifying walked away with $66,000 (Rs 62.99 lakh).
It’s a clear sign that organisers are trying to make life a little easier for players who aren’t already earning big money through sponsorships or deep tournament runs.
All of this comes after months of players speaking up about wanting a fairer share of the money being generated by Grand Slam events.
There have even been reports of players threatening to boycott tournaments if things don’t improve.
It looks like those conversations are finally leading to real changes, with increased prize money and the introduction of a new Player Advisory Council that will give players more say in decisions that affect them going forward.
US Open 2026 — Singles Prize Money (Per Player)
| Round | Prize Money |
| Winner | $5,500,000 |
| Runner-Up | $2,800,000 |
| Semifinalists | $1,450,000 |
| Quarterfinalists | $780,000 |
| Round of 16 | $480,000 |
| Round of 32 | $290,000 |
| Round of 64 | $190,000 |
| Round of 128 | $140,000 |
| Qualifying – Round of 32 | $66,000 |
| Qualifying – Round of 64 | $48,000 |
| Qualifying – Round of 128 | $32,000 |
| Total | $37,840,000 |
US Open 2026 — Doubles Prize Money (Per Team)
| Round | Prize Money |
| Winner | $1,000,000 |
| Runner-Up | $500,000 |
| Semifinalists | $250,000 |
| Quarterfinalists | $125,000 |
| Third Round | $80,000 |
| Second Round | $50,000 |
| First Round | $35,000 |
| Total | $5,060,000 |
Other Categories
| Category | Prize Money |
| Wheelchair Events | $2,309,200 |
| Total Player Compensation | $108,000,000 |
How much prize money will the singles champion win at US Open 2026?
The singles champion, whether in the men’s or women’s draw, will take home $5,500,000, while the runner-up will receive $2,800,000.
Apart from prize money, what other benefits are players receiving at US Open 2026?
Every player, including those in the qualifying rounds, has been given a welcome package worth $3,500, which includes a $2,500 Uber credit for transportation and food delivery, along with a $1,000 American Express gift card to help cover expenses during their stay in New York
What is the total prize money pool for US Open 2026?
The total player compensation for the US Open 2026 stands at $108,000,000, covering singles, doubles, mixed doubles, wheelchair events, and qualifying rounds.
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Ajay Gandhar has been part of Khel Now since 2023 and has expertise across a wide range of Olympic sports. While his coverage spans the Olympic spectrum, he is passionate about Badminton, Tennis, Football, and Track and Field. Beyond his primary focus areas, Ajay is also an avid kabaddi enthusiast and closely follows the sport.