However, professionals demand more
Zverev & Co. receive record prize money at the French Open
Updated May 29, 2026 – 5:34 amReading time: 2 minutes
At this year’s edition of Roland Garros, the tennis stars can collect more prize money than ever before. Nevertheless, there was criticism of the distribution in advance.
Alexander Zverev has reached the third round of the French Open 2026. The Olympic champion is also one of the favorites in Paris this year – not least because of his strong clay court form. For the man from Hamburg and his colleagues, Roland Garros is not just about prestige and world ranking points, but also about millions.
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Because the organizers are giving out more prize money at the French Open than ever before – a total of 61.7 million euros. That is 9.5 percent more than in the previous year and around 45 percent more than in 2019.
Men and women receive the same amounts. Just reaching the first round was rewarded with 87,000 euros. By moving into round three, Zverev has already secured prize money of at least 187,000 euros.
The winner of the French Open 2026 will receive a whopping 2.8 million euros in the singles. The losing finalist can still look forward to 1.4 million euros.
Becker supports professionals in the premium dispute
Despite the increasing amounts, there is criticism from many players. They complain that their share of the revenue from the four Grand Slam tournaments in Paris, London, New York and Melbourne is too low.
Prize money distribution by round:
| round | Prize money |
|---|---|
| 1st round | 87,000 euros |
| 2nd round | 130,000 euros |
| 3rd round | 187,000 euros |
| Round of 16 | 285,000 euros |
| Quarterfinals | 470,000 euros |
| Semifinals | 750,000 euros |
| final | 1.4 million euros |
| victory | 2.8 million euros |
According to a group of top professionals, the share of prize money in total revenue this year should be around 15 percent. However, 22 percent is required. Their reasoning: This would be of enormous help, especially to professionals from the second and third rows. Tennis professionals travel the world as sole entrepreneurs, paying trainers and physiotherapists out of their own pockets. Only a few can easily afford it.
Tennis legend Boris Becker also took a clear stance on the bonus dispute: “I can understand the players, a tennis career can be over tomorrow,” said the three-time Wimbledon winner in a Eurosport media round before the start of the tournament: “Yes, damn it, if you earn so much money, spend it in prize money even in the initial rounds for players who need it to survive.”
