Alexander Zverev secured the 2026 US Open men’s singles title on Sunday, claiming a record $5.5 million (£4.1 million) in prize money. Elena Rybakina also triumphed in the women’s competition, earning an equal sum from the tournament’s historic $108 million (£80m) total purse, according to Wales Online.
Zverev’s Banner Year Culminates in US Open Victory
The current world No. 2, Alexander Zverev, defeated American Ben Shelton in four sets with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, N.Y. This victory marks his second major title of the year, following his win at Roland Garros in June, and he also reached the finals at Wimbledon, extending a marquee year for the 29-year-old.
Zverev’s US Open triumph significantly boosted his earnings. Having previously earned $2.4 million (£1.8 million) as runner-up at Wimbledon in July, his $5.5 million US Open prize money pushes his total on-court earnings for 2026 to $14.72 million. This places him ahead of Italy’s Jannik Sinner, who earned $11.62 million in prize money this year, as reported by Sportico.com. Zverev will retain his world No. 2 ranking on the ATP Tour, narrowing the gap with top-ranked Sinner, who withdrew from this year’s final Grand Slam due to injury.
Record Prize Money on Offer at Flushing Meadows
The 2026 US Open featured a record-breaking prize fund of $108 million (£80m), making it the biggest winner’s prize in tennis history for the singles champions. Both the men’s and women’s singles champions received an identical $5.5 million, continuing the tournament’s commitment to equal prize money at every stage. Runners-up in the singles competitions each received $2.8 million.
The prize money extended throughout the draw, with first-round main draw players receiving $140,000. Qualifying first-round payouts saw a 16% increase to $32,000. In the mixed doubles championship, Karolina Muchová and Jakub Menšík claimed $1 million as a team, according to USA Today. This significant prize fund highlights the financial stakes at major tennis tournaments, a trend also seen in events like the 2026 Genesis Scottish Open.
Elena Rybakina Claims Women’s Title and World No. 1 Ranking
In the women’s singles final on Saturday, Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan captured her second major title of 2026, defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. Rybakina had previously won the Australian Open in January and is now just one Roland Garros title away from achieving a career Grand Slam. Her victory over Qinwen Zheng in the quarterfinals also saw her ascend to the world No. 1 ranking for the first time on the women’s tour, overtaking Sabalenka. Reflecting on her success, Rybakina expressed being at a loss for words and hoped to “stay at the top as long as possible.” For more on her journey, see our article on Elena Rybakina’s Future: Grand Slams and Key Tournaments.
Ben Shelton’s Impressive Run and Rising Profile
Despite the loss in the final, Ben Shelton had a remarkable tournament. The current world No. 9 upset defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarter-final thriller and then defeated countryman Francis Tiafoe in the semi-finals. Shelton became the first Black American man to play in the US Open final since Arthur Ashe. His strong performance is set to elevate him to a career-high No. 4 ranking, coinciding with growing commercial interest. Tom Chapman, head of commercial at WME Sports, which represents Shelton, anticipates new endorsement deals, particularly with luxury brands, in the coming year, noting Shelton’s ability to “move the culture needle.”
FAQ
- How much did Alexander Zverev win at the 2026 US Open?
Alexander Zverev won $5.5 million (£4.1 million) for his men’s singles victory at the 2026 US Open. - What was the total prize money for the 2026 US Open?
The 2026 US Open featured a record-breaking total prize fund of $108 million (£80m). - Did the men’s and women’s singles champions receive equal prize money?
Yes, both the men’s and women’s singles champions, Alexander Zverev and Elena Rybakina, each received $5.5 million. - Who did Alexander Zverev defeat in the men’s singles final?
Alexander Zverev defeated American Ben Shelton in four sets in the men’s singles final.
