French Open Raises Winner Prize Money to €2.8 Million

Tennis is getting a little more rewarding for everyone who steps onto the clay courts at Roland Garros this May.

The French Open announced Thursday that singles champions will earn €2.8 million ($3.3 million) this year, up from €2.55 million in 2025. Total prize money has jumped 9.5% across all rounds of the tournament.

The increase benefits players at every level. Athletes who lose in the first round of qualifying will still walk away with €24,000, while reaching the main draw guarantees at least €87,000.

These numbers put the French Open ahead of the Australian Open in total prize money, though it still trails Wimbledon and the US Open. The tournament begins May 24 in Paris, where defending champions Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff will return to defend their titles.

The prize boost reflects a growing recognition that professional tennis success requires significant investment from players long before they reach Grand Slam finals. Training costs, travel expenses, and coaching fees can create financial pressure even for ranked professionals.

Two fan favorites will bid farewell to Roland Garros this year. Stan Wawrinka, who won the men's title in 2015, and beloved French player Gael Monfils will both play their final French Open tournaments, with special ceremonies planned to honor their careers.

The Ripple Effect

When Grand Slam tournaments raise prize money, the impact reaches far beyond the champions. Players ranked outside the top 100 often struggle to break even on tour expenses, making guaranteed earnings from early rounds crucial for sustaining their careers.

The increase also sets a positive precedent for other tennis tournaments to follow. As one of the sport's four majors raises its financial commitment to athletes, it creates pressure on other events to match or exceed those standards.

Young players watching from home now see a sport investing in its future. Better pay at all levels means more talented athletes can afford to pursue professional tennis without requiring wealthy sponsors from day one.

This May, the red clay courts of Paris will host not just world-class tennis, but a tournament that's betting bigger on the players who make it possible.