Aryna Sabalenka etched his name into the history books by winning his first US Open title on Saturday, after winning Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in straight sets. The former world number 1 claimed her first title in Flushing Meadows and the third Grand Slam of her career.
But that’s not all, Sabalenka was also rewarded with a historic $3.6 million prize money, a whopping 20% improvement on last year.
The 26-year-old had previously won the Australian Open in the past two seasons, finally surpassing the runner-up finish she achieved last year at Arthur Ashe Stadium after Coco Gauff pipped her to the title in 2023.
According to CBS, Sabalenka took home a massive $3.6 million check, almost 20% more than Gauff received last year. Additionally, the four semifinalists in the men’s and women’s singles draw also pocketed $1 million each.
For the uninitiated, the 2024 US Open marks the 50th anniversary of equal prize money awarded at the tournament to male and female athletes.
Pegula pocketed $1.8 million after finishing runner-up in her first Grand Slam final and, interestingly, has been in excellent form, winning 15 of 17 matches over the past month, but both losses came against Sabalenka.
The total prize money for this year’s US Open was $75 million. In addition to the two finalists, semi-finalists Emma Navarro and Karolina Muchova each received $1 million.
“I’m speechless right now because I’ve been so close to winning the US Open title on so many occasions. It’s a dream for me and I’ve finally got this beautiful trophy. It’s been a really tough couple of weeks. Jessica played some amazing tennis and I’m more than sure that one day you’ll win a Grand Slam, maybe more,” said Aryna Sabalenka after her first US Open triumph.
While the quarter-finalists received $530,000 each, the prize money for the round of 16 was $325,000. Those who made it past the round of 32 pocketed $215,000, while those who made it past the round of 64 earned $140,000.
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