US Open's record $108m prize fund tilts biggest gains to first-round losers

The 2026 US Open will offer $108m in player compensation, a 20% rise for the second straight year. The percentage increase is highest in the first round and falls every round after — directing the largest relative gains at players who exit earliest and most need the money for travel and coaching costs. Jessica Pegula said last year's rise favoured second-week players. This reverses that.