Record prize money marks Sabalenka and Alcaraz’s US Open 2025 titles

In New York, on September 7, 2025, Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz lifted the US Open trophies, cementing their status as champions of the season’s final Grand Slam. The world number one Belarusian defeated American Amanda Anisimova 2-0, while the Spaniard overcame Italy’s Jannik Sinner 3-1, reclaiming the ATP top ranking. The finals, held at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, were defined by intensity and decisive moments, with both athletes earning the largest prize in tennis history: $5 million each, roughly 27 million reais. Sabalenka’s victory set a record for the highest payout in women’s tennis, while Alcaraz reinforced his dominance among the new generation. The tournament, drawing global attention, showcased the champions’ mental and technical prowess on hard courts.

The 2025 US Open finals delivered what fans expected: high-level technical and emotional battles. Sabalenka, chasing a second title, faced a determined opponent, while Alcaraz outlasted the world number one in a nearly three-hour clash. The record prize money further elevated the tournament’s status, solidifying it as the most lucrative in the circuit.

• Finals highlights:
• Sabalenka won 6/3, 7/6 (3) in 1h38.
• Alcaraz defeated Sinner 6/2, 3/6, 6/1, 6/4 in 2h42.
• Total prize money: $7.761 million for each champion.

The journey to the finals was filled with challenges, with both athletes facing top opponents and intense conditions in New York. Below, we detail their paths, key moments, and the impact of their victories.

Path to the title

Sabalenka entered the 2025 US Open as the favorite, defending her 2024 title and holding the WTA number one ranking. Her campaign was marked by consistency, dropping only one set before the final. In the semifinals, she staged a comeback to defeat Jessica Pegula 2-1, showcasing her resilience. Against Anisimova, Sabalenka managed the pressure of the home crowd, relying on her aggressive play and precision to secure the win.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, had a flawless run, not dropping a set until the semifinal against Novak Djokovic, which he won 3-0. In the final against Sinner, who came off a Wimbledon title, the Spaniard faced a formidable opponent. Alcaraz’s victory was built on his speed, aggressive returns, and composure in critical moments.

• Key campaign moments:
• Sabalenka: 45 winners in the semifinal against Pegula, a personal tournament record.
• Alcaraz: Lost only one service game throughout the championship until the final.
• Both faced top-10 opponents in decisive rounds.

Physical and mental preparation was crucial for both to overcome long matches and the pressure of the 23,000-seat Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Meet your 2025 US Open champions 🏆 pic.twitter.com/mTZDqaZjdP

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2025

Historic prize money

The 2025 US Open set a financial milestone in global tennis. The $5 million prize for the singles champions, both male and female, is the largest ever recorded in the sport. Sabalenka amassed over $7 million in prize money in 2025 alone, while Alcaraz reached $53.4 million in career earnings, about 288 million reais.

The tournament’s prize structure reflects its commitment to rewarding players at every stage:

• First round: $110,000.
• Second round: $154,000.
• Round of 16: $400,000.
• Semifinals: $1.2 million.
• Runner-up: $2.5 million.

This prize increase underscores the tournament’s growth as one of the world’s most lucrative sporting events, attracting elite players and reinforcing the US Open’s global prominence.

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Reactions and ranking impact

Sabalenka’s victory solidified her position as the WTA world number one, widening her lead over Iga Swiatek. The Belarusian, who previously won the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024, now holds four Grand Slam titles. Her consistency on hard courts, where she hasn’t lost a final since 2022, cements her dominance in the circuit.

For Alcaraz, the title marked his return to the ATP number one spot, overtaking Sinner after nearly two years. At just 22, the Spaniard has six Grand Slam titles, matching legends like Bjorn Borg at the same age. His rivalry with Sinner, now spanning 14 matches, promises to remain a highlight of tennis in the coming years.

• Ranking changes:
• Alcaraz: Reclaimed number one with 9,590 points.
• Sinner: Dropped to number two with 11,480 points.
• Sabalenka: Secured her WTA lead with a comfortable margin.

Both champions expressed gratitude to the fans and opponents, emphasizing the sportsmanship that defined the tournament.

Technical highlights of the finals

The women’s final between Sabalenka and Anisimova was a display of power and strategy. Sabalenka relied on her trademark strength, hitting 40 winners and maintaining an 80% first-serve success rate. Anisimova, despite the loss, showed progress, especially after reaching the Wimbledon final. The second-set tiebreak was the match’s most tense moment, with Sabalenka’s composure sealing the victory.

In the men’s final, Alcaraz dominated the first set with aggressive play, but Sinner fought back in the second with precise serving. The third set saw Alcaraz overpower Sinner 6/1, capitalizing on the Italian’s errors. In the fourth set, a crucial break in the fifth game secured Alcaraz’s win, as he stayed calm under pressure.

• Finals stats:
• Sabalenka: 8 aces and 25 unforced errors.
• Alcaraz: Won 15 points on Sinner’s serve, with 60% second-serve efficiency.
• Total duration: 4 hours and 20 minutes across both finals.

The matches highlighted the importance of physical preparation and adaptability to the fast-paced hard courts.

Legacy of the 2025 US Open

The 2025 tournament wasn’t just about the titles but also about memorable off-court moments. Celebrities like Jon Bon Jovi, Danny DeVito, and Stephen Curry at Arthur Ashe Stadium added global visibility. Innovations like the mixed doubles event, with a $1 million prize, drew stars like Djokovic and Osaka, boosting the tournament’s appeal.

Sabalenka ended an 11-year drought, becoming the first woman to win consecutive US Open titles since Serena Williams in 2014. Alcaraz became the second player to defeat the world number one in two Grand Slam finals in a single year, a feat previously achieved only by Rafael Nadal in 2008.

• Historic achievements:
• Sabalenka: First US Open repeat champion since Serena Williams.
• Alcaraz: Youngest to reach a Grand Slam semifinal without dropping a set since Nadal.
• Prize money: Highest ever paid in tennis history.

The 2025 US Open reinforced its status as a premier global sporting event, blending tradition, innovation, and unforgettable moments.