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$2.75M Prize: Australian Open 2026 Trophy Breakdown

Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka lead Australian Open 2026 favorites; record $2.75M prize for each winner, iconic silver trophies, and $1.44M for runner-ups.

Por: Raquel Seijas
AUSTRALIAN OPEN JANNIK SINNER_
Jannik Sinner is shaping up to be Alcaraz’s main rival in what could be another epic Grand Slam final / Photo Rolex

The first Grand Slam of the year is always a spectacle, and the 2026 Australian Open is no exception. The favorites to lift the trophies in Melbourne are Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, both of whom have dominated recent Grand Slam events.

Carlos Alcaraz is poised to add a seventh Grand Slam title to his collection, having already won the US Open (2022, 2025), Wimbledon (2023, 2024), and Roland Garros (2024, 2025). If he triumphs in Melbourne, it would be his first Australian Open victory, further cementing his status as the new king of men’s tennis. His contender at semifinals is Alexander Zverev. The H2H is 6-6.

Carlos Alcaraz / Photo Rolex

On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka is the favorite to claim her third Australian Open title (after victories in 2023 and 2024). However, her path is fraught with challenges, most notably from Elena Rybakina, the Wimbledon 2022 champion and 2023 Australian Open finalist. Sabalenka’s potential final showdown with Rybakina is one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. But first Rybakina must defeat Jessica Pegula at semifinals, and Sabalenka to Elina Svitolina.

The other man’s semifinal  include Novak Djokovic, the record holder for most Australian Open titles, and Jannik Sinner, who is shaping up to be Alcaraz’s main rival in what could be another epic Grand Slam final.

Aryna Sabalenka / Photo @arynasabalenka

Australian Open 2026 Prize Money Breakdown

The 2026 Australian Open boasts a record-breaking prize pool of AUD $111.5 million (USD 74.9 million), a 16% increase from 2025. This makes it the largest prize purse in the tournament’s history, reflecting Tennis Australia’s commitment to supporting players at all levels.

Here’s how the prize money is distributed for singles players (men and women):

  • Champion: USD 2.75 million

  • Runner-up: USD 1.44 million

  • Semifinalists: USD 840,000

  • Quarterfinalists: USD 503,795

  • Fourth Round: USD 322,430

  • Third Round: USD 220,159

  • Second Round: USD 151,139

  • First Round: USD 100,760

This significant increase ensures that even early-round losers receive substantial rewards, making professional tennis more sustainable for all competitors.

What’s at Stake in the Semifinals and Quarterfinals?

Reaching the latter stages of a Grand Slam is a monumental achievement, both in terms of prestige and financial reward. At the 2026 Australian Open:

  • Semifinalists will each take home USD 840,000, a substantial reward for their deep run in the tournament.

  • Quarterfinalists will receive USD 503,795, a significant boost to their annual earnings.

The Iconic Australian Open Trophies

Beyond the prize money, the Australian Open champions will receive some of the most prestigious trophies in tennis, handcrafted from 100% Australian silver by W.J. Sanders, a sister company of ABC Bullion.

  • Norman Brookes Challenge Cup (Men’s Singles): First presented in 1934, this trophy is inspired by the Warwick Vase, a Roman marble artifact. It features intricate classical motifs, including Bacchic figures, grapevines, and acanthus leaves, symbolizing endurance and victory.

  • Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup (Women’s Singles): Also introduced in 1934, this trophy honors Daphne Akhurst, a legendary Australian player. It is known for its distinctive handles and lid, embodying traditional trophy aesthetics.

Both trophies are crafted in Sydney and represent the ultimate prize for the champions of Australia’s premier tennis event.

Jannik Sinner / Photo Rolex

Q&A

  • Who are the top favorites for the Australian Open 2026? Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka are the top favorites, with Alcaraz seeking his first Australian Open title and Sabalenka her third.
  • How much does the Australian Open 2026 champion earn? The men’s and women’s singles champions each receive USD 2,750,000, the highest prize in tournament history.
  • What are the Australian Open trophies made of? The trophies are handcrafted from 100% Australian silver by W.J. Sanders in Sydney.
  • How much do semifinalists earn at the Australian Open 2026? Semifinalists in both men’s and women’s singles earn USD 840,000 each.
  • When are the Australian Open 2026 finals scheduled? The women’s final is on Saturday, January 31, and the men’s final is on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

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