Tennis is an extremely lucrative sport for the athletes in the top 100–Roger Federer alone has made over $81.5 million in prize money over the course of his professional career. Not only are these astronomical numbers already high, but they’re increasing. All four Grand Slam tennis tournaments announced earlier this year that they would be increasing their respective monetary prize amounts. The U.S. Open’s prize money has tripled in the past decade with over $38.3 million to be awarded this year (a 64.6 percent increase from three years ago), second only to Wimbledon, which increased its total prize money amount to over $42 million. With tennis becoming a more lucrative sport each and every year, below is a list of the sport’s most valuable first prizes arranged by singles match winnings.
5. ATP World Tour Finals – $1.92 million
The highest first prize outside of the four Grand Slam tournaments is rewarded to the winner of the ATP World Tour Finals, an annual men’s tennis tournament played indoors at London, England’s O2 Arena. The ATP World Tour Finals are the season-ending championships of the Association of Tennis Professionals World Tour which features the top eight singles players of the ATP Rankings. An undefeated champion is awarded $1.92 million, while a final win is rewarded $910,000.
4. French Open – $2.18 million
The French Open, often referred to as Roland Garros, is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. At $2.18 million, the French Open’s first place prize money is the smallest of the Grand Slams. Held over two weeks between late May and early June every year, the tournament takes place at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. Founded in 1891, the French Open is the only Grand Slam event held on clay and is considered to be the world’s most physically demanding tennis tournament.
3. Australian Open – $2.65 million
Annually held towards the end of January in Melbourne, Australia, the Australian Open is chronologically the first of the four Grand Slam tournaments. Founded in 1905, the Australian Open was played on grass up until 1987. From 1988 to 2007, the tournament was played on green cushioned Rebound Ace, and since 2008 the tournament has been played on blue Plexicushion. The Australian Open is the second highest attended Grand Slam and was the first to feature indoor play.
2. Wimbledon – $2.92 million
The Wimbledon Championships is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and considered one of the most prestigious. Since 1877, the tournament has been held at the All England Club in London, England and since 1988 has been the only Major tournament still played on grass, the game’s original surface. Wimbledon takes place over two weeks in late June and early July and has a number of traditions including a strict dress code for competitors and the attendance of Royal patronage.
1. U.S. Open – $3.00 million
Held annually over two weeks in late August and early September, the U.S. Open Championship is a hardcourt tennis tournament that, since 1987, has chronologically been the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the year. Founded in 1881, the U.S. Open is a modern iteration of the U.S. National Championship. Taking place in New York City, New York at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, last year’s singles winners were Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams.
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