The US Open will offer a record prize fund of $108m (£79.2m) this year, representing a 20% increase from 2025.
The singles champions will each receive $5.5m (£4.03m), a 10% rise on last year’s winners’ prize.
The biggest percentage increase will go to players who exit in the opening round, with first-round losers set to earn $140,000 (£102,667) — $30,000 more than last year.
The record prize pool also includes a $2m (£1.47m) contribution to a player welfare fund, one of the key demands made by leading players in recent months.
The four Grand Slam tournaments have also announced the creation of a Grand Slam Player Council, another major request from players who have pushed for greater representation and a bigger share of tournament revenues.
Some players previously limited their media appearances at the French Open and Wimbledon to 15 minutes as they sought to highlight concerns over prize money and player welfare.
Players have been calling for each Grand Slam to dedicate 16% of its revenue to prize money, with that figure expected to rise to 22% by 2030.
The US Open could be the first Grand Slam to reach the 16% target, although the United States Tennis Association has yet to publish its 2025 financial statement.
The USTA says the statement will be released before the main draw begins.
Chief executive Craig Tiley described the new prize fund as “a significant first step in a multi-year investment in athletes”.
The increase also represents a shift in how the additional money is being distributed.
World number three Jessica Pegula had previously criticised last year’s increase, arguing that too much of the additional prize money went to players who had already reached the second week of the tournament.
This year, the largest percentage increase is being directed towards players at the earliest stage of the competition, with the percentage increase reducing at each subsequent round.
There will also be increased prize money in mixed doubles, which will be played during qualifying week.
The winners will continue to share $1m, while first-round prize money for mixed doubles competitors will double.
