The US Open has officially hit a grand slam home run this year! With record-breaking attendance and prize money, the world’s biggest tennis tournament is proving that it is more popular than ever before. In 2024, the US Open attracted over 1.04 million attendees, smashing previous records like a champion serves an ace. This skyrocketing interest is not just about watching the players battle it out on the court; it’s also about the dazzling sum of cash up for grabs this year.
The prize pool for the US Open has reached an astounding $90 million. This marks the largest amount in the tournament’s storied history—talk about serving up a slice of financial pie! That’s a hefty 20% increase from last year’s already impressive $75 million. It’s like the tournament decided it needed a financial steroids regimen, and boy, did it pay off! The stakes got higher, and players are ready to cash in big time.
When it comes to doubles players, the prize money has also experienced a delightful spike. Winning a doubles tournament in this year’s Open will net athletes a cool $1 million. That’s a whopping 33% increase from 2024. For singles champions, it’s even more exhilarating—those who take the title can look forward to taking home $5 million, which is a jaw-dropping 39% more than last year’s $3.6 million. Comparatively, Wimbledon, the French Open, and the Australian Open look like they may need a financial pep talk. Their prizes pale in comparison, sitting at $4 million, $3 million, and $2.2 million respectively. So much for being “major” tournaments!
Every player who steps onto the court this year can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they are guaranteed at least $110,000 just for showing up. This move comes after a group of 20 top players—everyone from previous champions to rising stars—pushed for more money and a seat at the decision-making table. It seems that when the players stand together for what’s right, they can serve up some serious changes!
This year’s US Open generated a staggering $559 million in total operating revenue, with expenses clocking in at $282 million. It’s clear that tennis does not just have a stellar following; it has a robust financial backbone as well. And let’s not forget about the delicious cocktails that fans slurp down while cheering for their favorites. The famed Honey Deuce cocktail has been a crowd-pleaser since it was introduced in 2006. With a $23 price tag, it raked in $12.8 million this year, with sales up 24% from the previous year. Who knew tennis could be that refreshing?
In summary, the 2024 US Open delivered a showstopper of a tournament, with record-breaking attendance and prize money that made headlines. It seems that the love for tennis is more alive than ever, and everyone—from players to fans—has something to celebrate. So, grab some popcorn and settle in; with tennis like this, who wouldn’t want to keep score?
