Australian Open 2026 Prize Money: What Elena Rybakina And Aryna Sabalenka Earned

Australian Open 2026 Prize Money: What Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka Earned: Elena Rybakina claimed the biggest prize in Melbourne on Saturday, January 31, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping three-set final to win the 2026 Australian Open women’s singles title. The World No. 5 from Kazakhstan showed impressive composure on Rod Laver Arena, edging the World No. 1 Belarusian 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

Rybakina set the tone early, breaking Aryna Sabalenka’s serve in the opening set and holding firm to take it 6-4. Sabalenka responded strongly in the second, staying patient before striking late to level the match. In the deciding set, however, Rybakina proved steadier under pressure, holding her nerve to seal the win and lift her first Australian Open crown.

Australian Open 2026 Prize Money: Prize Money and Ranking Points Breakdown

Along with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, Aryna Rybakina also walked away with A$4.15 million from the tournament’s total A$111.5 million prize pool. The victory earned her 2000 WTA ranking points as well.

Runner-up Aryna Sabalenka took home A$2.15 million and received 1300 ranking points for her efforts in Melbourne.

Big Payouts Across the Draw

The losing semifinalists, sixth seed Jessica Pegula and 12th seed Elina Svitolina, each collected A$1.25 million. Quarterfinal exits Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Iga Swiatek, and Iva Jovic earned A$750,000 apiece.

Players who reached the fourth round, including 2025 champion Madison Keys, Victoria Mboko, Karolina Muchova, and Mirra Andreeva, were awarded A$480,000 each.

Third-round players Naomi Osaka, who withdrew due to injury, Linda Noskova, Jasmine Paolini, Clara Tauson, and former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova received A$327,750.

Those eliminated in the second round, including Paula Badosa, Belinda Bencic, Emma Raducano, Maria Sakkari, and others, earned A$225,000. First-round exits were still rewarded with A$150,000 each, with names such as Sloane Stephens, Leylah Fernandez, Alexandra Eala, and Venus Williams among those collecting the prize money.

Elena Rybakina’s Winning Run Against Sabalenka Continues

Elena Rybakina’s Melbourne triumph adds to an impressive recent record against Aryna Sabalenka in major finals. The two last met in November at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, where Elena Rybakina defeated the Belarusian 6-3, 7-6(0) to claim her first year-end title.

With the Australian Open victory now added to that win, Elena Rybakina has beaten Sabalenka in two high-profile finals within just a few months. The 26-year-old, who first announced herself on the Grand Slam stage by winning Wimbledon in 2022, had previously suffered heartbreak against Sabalenka in the 2023 Australian Open final.

Another Tough Melbourne Finish for Aryna Sabalenka

For Aryna Sabalenka, the loss marks a second straight runner-up finish at the Australian Open. In last year’s final, the top-ranked player was stunned by Madison Keys, missing out on what would have been a historic third consecutive Melbourne title.

Once again, Sabalenka came close but fell just short, while Rybakina walked away with redemption, momentum, and a place among the champions of the Australian Open.