The French Open is boosting prize money by 9.5% ahead of the 2026 tournament, with the total pool now reaching €61.7 million ($72 million USD) — up €5.3 million from last year.
Both men's and women's singles champions will take home €2.8 million, a 9.8% increase over 2025. Roland Garros provides equal pay across all competitions, with runners-up earning €1.4 million while semifinalists walk with €750,000 each.
The largest increases target early-round exits, as qualifying round ousters see nearly 13% more French Open prize money while first-rounders see a 11.5% increase.
The percentage nearly doubles last year's tournament. However, it falls short of other Grand Slams, after the US Open boosted prize money by 20% last year while the Australian Open increased its pool by nearly 16%.
World No. 5 Jessica Pegula has led the player-run campaign for improved Grand Slam paydays.
"What we're looking for is how we help the ecosystem of the sport and maybe that's spreading it out in the lower rounds a little bit more evenly," Pegula told BBC Sport.
Coco Gauff won the 2025 French Open, earning €2.55 million after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final. The defending champion begins her title defense when the tournament kicks off on May 24th.
In other news, Roland Garros has moved to allow approved fitness trackers for the first time. Now players can wear devices that monitor sleep, strain, stress, and heart rate.
Line judges will also remain at the French Open for another year, despite the Tour's other three Grand Slams introducing electronic line calling. In his decision, French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton cited a 10% margin of error in the technology.
