The US Open qualifying begins this week, and money dominates the headlines. A record $101 million prize pool, soaring ticket prices, and a new Grand Slam player council lead this week’s tennis news.
U.S. Open prize money surpasses $100M for first time: The U.S. Tennis Association, which owns and organizes the fourth Grand Slam of the year, announced a 2026 prize pool of $101 million Thursday. The figure is a 19 percent increase on last year’s $85 million, and has likely staved off the player protests over remuneration that took place at this year’s editions of the French Open and Wimbledon. Full Story: The Athletic
U.S. Open ticket prices are skyrocketing, from grounds passes to luxury seats. This is why: A grounds pass with no guaranteed seat on any court — stadium or otherwise — is going for over $360. The face value is $65. An upper-deck seat in Arthur Ashe Stadium costs $326. Full Story: The Athletic
Tennis grand slams unite to establish player council in attempt to defuse prize money row: Tennis’s grand slam tournaments have agreed to establish a formal player advisory council in a move aimed at defusing the row over prize money. The players are demanding the slams match the tours run by the men’s Association of Tennis Professionals and the Women’s Tennis Association in allocating 22% of their revenues to prize money. Full Story: The Guardian
Tennis wild cards: A Grand Slam golden ticket and the sporting nationalism that powers it: The strategic cocktail of soft nationalism, corporate politics and ticket-sales boosterism that constitutes the wild card system more often overshadows sporting fairness. Full Story: The Athletic
Should Venus Williams Keep Getting Wild Cards?: The 46-year-old is set to compete at the U.S. Open, instigating a conversation about major wild cards. Plus, Masters 1000s dysfunction and more. Full Story: Sports Illustrated
Here’s What Happens to the Tennis Balls Used at the U.S. Open (There Are *Thousands* of Them!): Those tennis balls don’t simply disappear after match point. They embark on a meaningful second act that’s good for communities, the environment and even a few unexpected recipients. Once you know their story, you’ll never look at a tennis ball the same way again. Full Story: Readers Digest
Nick Kyrgios says he tested positive for cocaine: Nick Kyrgios tested positive for cocaine in June. “I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine,” he wrote on his Instagram account. “I made a huge mistake and take full responsibility for it.” Full Story: ESPN
Renée Richards faults herself: Rene Richards, now 92, describes herself as a steadfast supporter of trans rights. She also calls her own lawsuit “selfish” and says she opposes trans women and girls participating in women’s sports. Full Story: CNN
Tennis’s least-loved underdog: Although sport fans usually love an underdog, tennis aficionados merely respect Mr Djokovic. He lacks Mr Federer’s style and Mr Nadal’s humility. He overlooked public health guidelines during the pandemic and has often lashed out at hostile crowds. Yet few players possess a greater will to win or a deeper sense of self-belief. The sport will be poorer without him, even if many fans will not mind. Full Story: The Economist
What will unite tennis and pickleball players? A whole lot more courts: Planners and sports policy experts say there aren’t enough recreational facilities for any sport. Full Story: CBC (Canada)
The 18 Most Stylish Men’s Tennis Players of All Time: From René Lacoste’s game-changing polos to Francis Tiafoe’s Big Foe chain, here’s all the proof you need that tennis players are the best-dressed athletes on earth. Full Story: GQ
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location |
| 8/23-29 | Abierto GNP Seguros | WTA 500 | Monterrey, Mexico |
| 8/23-29 | Winston-Salem Open | ATP 250 | Winston-Salem |
