The 2023 U.S. Open has a record-breaking purse of $65 million, an 8% increase from the previous year.
Prize money distribution favors top players with a 15.4% increase for the winner and runner-up, while early-round and qualifying-round payouts have smaller increases (2% and 3%, respectively).
This shift is opposite of previous years when early-round and qualifying-round losers received larger prize money increases.
Novak Djokovic advocates for more focus on earlier round prize money increases rather than just the winner's purse.
Lower-ranked players often struggle to cover expenses, especially travel and accommodation
The USTA introduces some financial assistance, including a $1,000 travel voucher, free racquet stringing, extra hotel rooms, and increased meal allowance for all competitors.
Djokovic points out that inflation impacts the real value of prize money increases.
Despite challenges in 2020, the U.S. Open maintained its purse and is now partially increasing the winner's prize.
Historical perspective: The winner's share relative to the total purse has decreased over time.
The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) calls for a better balance between top players and lower-ranked players in prize money distribution to ensure more players can make a living from the sport.