2012 U.S. Open Prize Money to Exceed $25 Million

The USTA has announced that the 2012 U.S. Open prize purse has been increased by more than $2 million to reach a record $25.5 million. Additionally, the top three men’s and top three women’s finishers in the Emirates Airline U.S. Open Series may earn up to an additional $2.6 million in bonus prize money at the U.S. Open, depending on their performance over the course of the Summer Series. With this bonus money, the total U.S. Open prize money could potentially reach $28.1 million. To support the majority of players, for 2012, prize money has been increased by a minimum of 18 percent for the first three rounds of the main singles draw.

“We recognize the mounting financial pressures associated with competing on the global professional tennis circuits and especially for those who do not reach the second week of the U.S. Open. We believe the additional prize money, as well as how it will be strategically distributed, will help alleviate some of the pressure,” said Jon Vegosen, USTA chairman of the board and president.

Both the men’s and women’s U.S. Open singles champions will earn a record $1.9 million with the ability to earn an additional $1 million in bonus prize money (for a total $2.9 million potential payout) based on their performances in the Emirates Airline U.S. Open Series.

The 2012 U.S. Open purse includes an 11 percent overall increase in men’s and women’s main draw singles prize money over last year’s total. First round main draw singles prize money has been increased by 21 percent, and second round main draw singles prize money has been increased by 19 percent. In all, 224 of the 256 main draw singles players (87 percent of the main draw singles players) will receive an increase in prize money of at least 18 percent.

For the 40th consecutive year, the USTA will offer equal prize money to both men and women—a Grand Slam first and U.S. Open tradition dating back to 1973. All players also receive per diem payments to help offset the cost of accommodations and other expenses.

The Emirates Airline U.S. Open Series Bonus Challenge rewards the top three men’s and top three women’s finishers each year with bonus prize money at the U.S. Open and has resulted in the largest paychecks in tennis history for men (2007–Roger Federer, $2.4 million) and women (2005, 2010–Kim Clijsters, $2.2 million). The USTA will offer up to an additional $2.6 million in bonus prize money at the U.S. Open to the top three men’s and top three women’s singles finishers in the Emirates Airline U.S. Open Series. Players must earn points in at least two Series events in order to be eligible for bonus prize money at the U.S. Open. More than $7.7 million in bonus prize money has been awarded since the Series began in 2004.

The base prize money and bonus prize money thru the quarterfinals is illustrated below:

                                                         2012 U.S. OPEN PRIZE MONEY FOR TOP FINISHERS 

                                                  U.S. OPEN FINISH                                          Base Prize Money

                                                           Winner                                                        $1,900,000

                                                           Finalist                                                        $950,000

                                                        Semifinalist                                                  $450,000

                                                      Quarterfinalist                                               $237,500

                                                          Prize Money With Potential Bonus Prize Money                                                                                                                  For Top Three Emirates Airline U.S. Open Series Finishers

                      First Place Finisher                        Second Place Finisher                        Third Place Finisher                  

                           $2,900,000                                           $2,400,000                                           $2,150,000

                           $1,450,000                                           $1,200,000                                           $1,075,000

                               $725,000                                              $600,000                                               $537,500

                               $362,500                                              $300,000                                               $268,750