Quick Read
- The 2026 Australian Open total prize fund increased by 16% to £55.4 million.
- Men’s and women’s singles champions will each receive $4,150,000.
- All six top seeds in both men’s and women’s draws reached the quarterfinals, an Open Era first.
- Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elina Svitolina have advanced to the semifinals.
- Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner are scheduled to play their quarterfinals on Wednesday, January 28.
MELBOURNE (Azat TV) – The 2026 Australian Open is currently underway at Melbourne Park, with record prize money and intense quarterfinal battles defining the tournament’s crucial second week. Singles champions are set to earn an unprecedented $4,150,000 each, part of a total prize fund that has increased by 16 percent to £55.4 million (approximately $69.5 million USD), reflecting the growing stakes and prestige of the opening Grand Slam of the year.
As of Tuesday, January 27, the tournament has seen several top contenders advance to the semifinals, setting the stage for high-stakes matchups. This year marks a notable achievement, as all six top seeds in both the men’s and women’s singles draws have successfully reached the quarterfinals, a first in the Open Era, according to reports from The Scotsman.
Record Prize Money Fuels Competition
The significant boost in prize money for the 2026 Australian Open underscores the tournament’s commitment to recognizing the elite talent in professional tennis. The total purse of £55.4 million represents a substantial increase from previous years, making it the largest in the tournament’s history, as highlighted by The Independent. Each men’s and women’s singles winner will take home $4,150,000, a considerable jump from the prior year’s winnings. Runners-up will receive $2,150,000, while semi-finalists are guaranteed $1,250,000. Even quarterfinalists will earn a substantial $750,000, ensuring that deep runs in the tournament are handsomely rewarded across all stages.
Prize money parity between men’s and women’s singles and doubles tournaments remains a cornerstone of the Australian Open, aligning with the broader Grand Slam commitment to equal pay. Doubles champions, for instance, will share $900,000, further demonstrating the tournament’s equitable financial structure.
Quarterfinals Intensify as Top Seeds Battle
The quarterfinals have delivered thrilling contests, showcasing the depth of talent at the top of the sport. On Tuesday, January 27, in the men’s singles, top seed Carlos Alcaraz secured his spot in the semifinals by defeating Alex de Minaur in straight sets. He will face Alexander Zverev, who also advanced after beating young prodigy Learner Tien in four sets. This sets up a highly anticipated clash between two of the sport’s most dynamic players.
In the women’s singles, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant run, thrashing Iva Jovic to book her place in the semifinals. She is set to play Elina Svitolina, who delivered an impressive performance by conceding only three games to third seed Coco Gauff in her quarterfinal match. These results mean two compelling semifinal matchups have already been determined, promising high-quality tennis for fans worldwide.
Upcoming Matches and Grand Slam Aspirations
The remaining quarterfinal matches, scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, are equally compelling. On the men’s side, Novak Djokovic, a perennial favorite and multiple-time Australian Open champion, is slated to face Lorenzo Musetti. Another blockbuster encounter will see Ben Shelton take on defending champion Jannik Sinner, who is aiming to become only the second man in the Open Era, after Djokovic, to win three consecutive Australian Open singles titles.
The women’s draw will feature Elena Rybakina against Iga Świątek, and Jessica Pegula facing Amanda Anisimova. These matches will complete the semifinal lineup and could see further shifts in the tournament’s narrative.
Beyond the immediate competition, two players, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek, are entering the tournament with the added motivation of potentially completing a career Grand Slam. Both are just an Australian Open title away from holding all four major titles, a rare feat that would significantly cement their legacies in tennis history, as noted by The Independent.
The substantial increase in prize money at the 2026 Australian Open, combined with the unprecedented performance of top seeds reaching the quarterfinals, underscores the tournament’s escalating importance and competitive intensity. This financial incentive not only rewards current excellence but also likely attracts the best talent, ensuring the event remains a premier proving ground for tennis’s elite and a captivating spectacle for global audiences.