The USTA recently announced that the 2010 US Open purse will top $22.6 million, an increase of $1 million over last year's record purse, and the richest purse in tennis history. In addition to the base purse of $22.6 million, the top three men's and top three women's finishers in the Olympus US Open Series may earn up to an additional $2.6 million in bonus prize money at the US Open, providing a potential total payout of $25.2 million.
Both the men's and women's US Open singles champions will earn a record $1.7 million with the ability to earn an additional $1 million in bonus prize money (for a total $2.7 million potential payout) based on their performances in the Olympus US Open Series.
The Olympus US Open Series Bonus Challenge rewards the top three men's and top three women's finishers each year with bonus prize money at the US Open and has resulted in the largest paychecks in tennis history for men (2007 – Roger Federer, $2.4 million) and women (2005 – Kim Clijsters, $2.2 million).
US Open Base Prize Money
The 2010 US Open purse includes a 6.7% increase in men's and women's singles prize money over last year's total. For the 38th consecutive year, the USTA will offer equal prize money to both men and women -- a Grand Slam first and US Open tradition dating back to 1973. All players also receive per diem payments to help with the cost of accommodations and other expenses.
US Open Bonus Prize Money
The 2010 US Open is the culmination of the Olympus US Open Series, the North American summer season of 10 ATP World Tour and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour events that begins July 19. The USTA will offer up to an additional $2.6 million in bonus prize money at the US Open to the top three men's and top three women's singles finishers in the Olympus US Open Series. $5.7 million in bonus prize money has been awarded since the Olympus US Open Series began in 2004.
The men's and women's winners of the Olympus US Open Series will play for up to $1 million in bonus prize money at the US Open. In addition, the second-place finishers can earn up to an additional $500,000, while the third-place finishers in the Olympus US Open Series can earn up to an additional $250,000. The top finishers in the Olympus US Open Series will be determined by the Olympus US Open Series Bonus Challenge -- a point structure based on singles results at each of the 10 Olympus US Open Series tournaments this summer. Players must earn points in at least two Olympus US Open Series events in order to be eligible for bonus prize money at the US Open.
About the US Open Series
The Olympus US Open Series is the six-week summer tennis season linking 10 major ATP World Tour and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour tournaments to the US Open. Since its inception in 2004, the Olympus US Open Series has doubled television viewership and increased attendance, while generating new corporate partnerships for the sport. The Olympus US Open Series Bonus Challenge rewards the top three men's and top three women's finishers each year with bonus prize money at the US Open and has resulted in the largest paychecks in tennis history for men (2007 – Roger Federer, $2.4 million) and women (2005 – Kim Clijsters, $2.2 million). Last year, Rafael Nadal and Dinara Safina won the Olympus US Open Series.
About the US Open
The 2009 US Open drew more than 720,000 fans, maintaining its position as the highest attended annual sporting event in the world. More than 70 million domestic viewers watched the 2009 US Open on CBS Sports, ESPN2 and Tennis Channel, and international broadcasts reached 185 countries. JPMorgan Chase & Co. is the presenting sponsor of the US Open women's singles championship. Mercedes-Benz USA is the presenting sponsor of the US Open men's singles championship.
The 2010 US Open will be held Monday, August 30 through Sunday, September 12. Tickets for the 2010 US Open can be purchased four ways: 1) at USOpen.org; 2) by calling Ticketmaster at 1-866-OPEN-TIX; 3) at all Ticketmaster outlets; or 4) at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center box office. American Express is the Official Card of the US Open.
About the USTA
The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization with 750,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, the highest attended annual sporting event in the world, and launched the Olympus US Open Series linking 10 summer tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns the 90 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., is a minority owner and promotional partner of World TeamTennis, and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA philanthropic entity, USTA Serves, provides grants and scholarships and through tennis, helps underserved youth and people with disabilities to improve academics, build character and strive for excellence. For more information on the USTA, log on to usta.com.