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2009 US Open Prize Money Tops $21.6 Million

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — The USTA today announced that the 2009 US Open purse will top $21.6 million, marking the third consecutive year that the tournament’s prize money has increased by $1 million. In addition to the base purse of $21.6 million, the top three men’s and top three women’s finishers in the Olympus US Open Series may earn up to an additional $2.6 million in bonus prize money at the US Open, providing a potential total payout of $24.2 million.

Both the men’s and women’s US Open singles champions will earn a record $1.6 million with the ability to earn an additional $1 million in bonus prize money (for a total $2.6 million potential payout) based on their performances in the Olympus US Open Series. In addition, both US Open singles champions will receive a new 2010 Lexus IS Convertible.

The Olympus US Open Series Bonus Challenge rewards the top three men’s and top three women’s finishers each year with bonus prize money at the US Open and has resulted in the largest paychecks in tennis history for men (2007 - Roger Federer, $2.4 million) and women (2005 - Kim Clijsters, $2.2 million).

US Open Base Prize Money

The 2009 US Open purse includes a 5.8% increase in men’s and women’s singles prize money from last year’s record purse. For the 37th consecutive year, the USTA will offer equal prize money to both men and women — a Grand Slam first and US Open tradition dating back to 1973. All players also receive per diem payments to help with the cost of accommodations and other expenses.

US Open Bonus Prize Money

The 2009 US Open is the culmination of the Olympus US Open Series, the North American summer season of 10 ATP World Tour and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour events that begins July 20. The USTA will offer up to an additional $2.6 million in bonus prize money at the US Open to the top three men’s and top three women’s singles finishers in the Olympus US Open Series. $5.3 million in bonus prize money has been awarded since the Olympus US Open Series began in 2004.

The men’s and women’s winners of the Olympus US Open Series will play for up to $1 million in bonus prize money at the US Open. In addition, the second-place finishers can earn up to an additional $500,000, while the third-place finishers in the Olympus US Open Series can earn up to an additional $250,000. The top finishers in the Olympus US Open Series will be determined by the Olympus US Open Series Bonus Challenge — a point structure based on singles results at each of the 10 Olympus US Open Series tournaments this summer. Players must earn points in at least two Olympus US Open Series events in order to be eligible for bonus prize money at the US Open.

The base prize money and bonus prize money thru the quarterfinals is illustrated below:

2009 US OPEN PRIZE MONEY FOR TOP FINISHERS

US OPEN FINISH Base Prize Money Prize Money With Potential Bonus Prize Money For Top 3 Olympus US Open Series Finishers
1st Place Finisher 2nd Place Finisher 3rd Place Finisher
Winner $1,600,000 $2,600,000 $2,100,000 $1,850,000
Finalist $800,000 $1,300,000 $1,050,000 $925,000
Semifinalist $350,000 $600,000 $475,000 $412,500
Quarterfinalist $175,000 $300,000 $237,500 $206,250

Posted on July 7, 2009
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