Melbourne, Jan. 6 -- Players at the Australian Open will compete for their share of a record A$111.5 million (US$ 74.9 million) prize pool this year, after Tennis Australia announced a 16% bump in the total prize money for 2026.

Winners will take home A$4.15 million (US$2.79 million) in an increase of 19% on last year's amount of A$3.5 million (US$2.35 million), while there are hefty surges in the early rounds as well, with a first-round exit netting a record A$150,000 (US$100,750). That means wildcard entrants are guaranteed a handy pay packet to kick-start their year on the tour. Qualifiers, too, have seen an increase in pay, with an exit in any of the three rounds earning an additional 16% compared to last year. Last year's total priz...