2020 US Open prize money confirmed: Increase for first-round losers, but a decrease for champions

US Open
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The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has announced a $53.4 million (about £41m) prize purse for the 2020 US Open, down about five per cent from the previous year, while it has also set aside $7.6m (roughly £6m) for player relief.

A record $57m (£43m) was awarded to players in 2019, but there was always going to be a decrease this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Reports suggest USTA would have lost $120m (£91m) in global TV rights had this year’s tournament had been cancelled.

Despite the decrease, the men’s and women’s champions will walk away with a handy $3m (about £2,2m) winner’s cheque, down $850,000 (£646,000) from the previous year’s $3.85m (£3m).

The doubles winners will receive $400,000 (£304,000) per team, which is nearly half of the $740,000 (£562,000) they received in 2019.

The singles runners-up will get $1.5m (about £1m), down $400,000 from the previous year, and the semi-finalists will earn $800,000 (£608,000).

There is some good news as the first-round losers’ earnings will increase as they will get $61,000 (£46,000) compared to the $58,000 (£44,000) last year while prize money for the second and third round stays the same.

USTA also confirmed that they have set aside an additional $6.6m (£5m) “in grants and subsidies as a result of its decisions to not hold a qualifying tournament, and reduce the doubles draws, at this year’s US Open”.

The organisation had previously contributed $1m (£760,000) to Player Relief Program.

“We’re proud to be able to offer a player compensation package that maintains nearly 95 percent of the prize pool from 2019,” Mike Dowse, USTA chief executive officer and executive director, said.

“The prize money distribution for the 2020 US Open is the result of close collaboration between the USTA, WTA and ATP, and represents a commitment to supporting players and their financial well-being during an unprecedented time.”

Round Singles Doubles
Winners $3,000,000 $400,000
Runners-up
 $1,000,000 $240,000
Semi-finalists $800,000 $130,000
Quarter-finalists $425,000 $91,000
Fourth round $250,000 $50,000
Third round $163,000 $30,000
Second round $100,000
First round $61,000

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