Roland-Garros 2026: what the winner will get this year and why the players are furious

The prize money for Roland Garros 2026 is the subject of much debate this year. Between increased prize money and open tensions with the players, the Parisian tournament finds itself at the heart of a heated debate. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s prize money.

Prize money up nearly 10% for Roland Garros 2026

This season, the Paris Grand Slam tournament has announced an increase in prize money of almost 9.53% compared with 2025. The winners, both men and women, will pocket 2.8 million euros, compared with 2.55 million the previous year. In total, players will share just over 61 million euros.

This increase reflects the company’s determination to promote performance at the highest level. However, it is not enough to calm tempers. For several weeks now, the world’s best players have been protesting against what they consider to be a poor distribution of income by the organizations.

Small tours better rewarded than ever

Notably, players eliminated early in the tournament benefit from the biggest increase. A player eliminated in the first round will receive 87,000 euros, 11% more than in 2025. Similarly, second-round losers will receive 130,000 euros, and third-round losers 187,000 euros.

“It’s one of the big topics of this 2026 edition of Roland-Garros, a subject of tension unfortunately.”

This strategy is designed to better reward players who don’t reach the final stages. In this way, the tournament recognizes the effort made by all participants, even those who leave the competition early.

Details of winnings for each round at Roland Garros 2026

For the sixteenth best players, the prize money remains substantial. A round of 16 player earns 285,000 euros, a quarter-final player 470,000 euros. Semi-finalists take home 750,000 euros, while finalists walk away with 1.4 million euros.

Qualifying rounds also offer significant prize money. Losers of the first qualifying round receive 24,000 euros. Those eliminated in the second round receive 33,000 euros. Finally, players eliminated in the third qualifying round pocket 48,000 euros.

• Winner: 2.8 million euros (+ 9.8%)
• Runner-up: 1.4 million euros (+ 9.8%)
• Semi-finalist: 750,000 euros (+8.7%)
• First round: 87,000 euros (+11.5%)
• Qualifying round 3: 48,000 euros

Is this any consolation for those who fail to reach the Grand Slam? The answer remains uncertain for many players.

Open conflict between players and organizers

The world’s top players, both men’s and women’s, are in open conflict with the four Grand Slam tournaments. They consider that the distribution of revenues is unfair. The Paris tournament is a particular target in this dispute.

Despite the announced increases, criticism persists. The players feel that the organizations are reaping huge profits without redistributing them sufficiently. This debate is likely to shape the atmosphere at Roland Garros 2026.

Who will hit the jackpot at Roland Garros 2026?

On the men’s side, the absence of Carlos Alcaraz reshuffles the cards. World number 1 Jannik Sinner, described as unstoppable in recent weeks, appears to be the overwhelming favourite. French fans are nevertheless hoping for some fine performances, particularly fromArthur Fils.

On the women’s side, several players are attracting attention. Aryna Sabalenka, world No.1 and unfortunate finalist at last year’s event, will be out to win the title. Coco Gauff, winner in 2025, will be determined to defend her crown.

Iga Swiatek remains a formidable contender. She has triumphed four times at the French Open in the past. Her experience on clay makes her a serious candidate for Roland Garros 2026.

The suspense remains intact. The next few weeks will reveal who will pocket the 2.8 million euros promised to the winner. One thing is certain: the competition promises to be fierce on the Parisian courts.

• Roland Garros 2026