French Open Prize Money Increases by 9.5%
The prize money for this year’s French Open has seen a significant increase of 9.5%, raising the total purse to 61.7 million euros ($72.69 million). This marks a rise of 5.4 million euros compared to the previous year, continuing a trend of steady growth in player earnings at the clay court Grand Slam.
In recent years, the organisers have focused on increasing prize money across all rounds of the tournament, not just for champions but also for players who are eliminated early. This move comes in response to growing demands within the sport for a more equitable distribution of revenues.
The Paris major, held annually at Roland-Garros, has consistently offered equal prize money for men and women. However, despite this increase, the French Open is expected to remain behind the other three Grand Slams in terms of overall prize money.
The U.S. Open had the highest prize fund among the Grand Slams last year, with $90 million. Wimbledon followed with 53.5 million pounds ($72.40 million), while the Australian Open offered a record A$111.5 million ($79.92 million) in prize money this year.
New Technology Trials
Organisers have also announced that the tournament will trial allowing players to use wearable connected devices to collect physical performance data. This makes the French Open the first Grand Slam to implement such a trial. The use of this technology has been permitted on the ATP Tour since 2024, although Grand Slam events operate independently. The trial will also be applied at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.
Celebrating Retiring Players
In addition to the prize money increase, the tournament will host a series of ceremonies to honour players who are appearing at the event for the final time or who have recently retired.
Caroline Garcia, a former world number four, will be celebrated on June 4 between the women’s semi-finals. She had initially decided to delay any tribute when she made her farewell appearance in 2025.
French player Gael Monfils, who has stated that the 2026 season will be his last, will also be honoured during the tournament and at a charity event on May 21 on Court Philippe-Chatrier titled “Gael and Friends.”
“He’s a showman, we’ve given him the keys for this charity evening,” said tournament director Amelie Mauresmo. “There will obviously be tennis, with a particular mixed doubles format, and there will be entertainment. He has a very specific universe.”
Proceeds from the event will go to federation-linked charities and causes chosen by Monfils.
Swiss player Stanislas Wawrinka, the 2015 champion and a three-time Grand Slam winner, will also be honoured after what is expected to be his final appearance at the tournament.
Currency Conversions
- $1 = 0.8488 euros
- $1 = 1.3951 Australian dollars
- $1 = 0.7389 pounds
