Payam Javan: The U.S. Open kicks off on August 26, promising to be the most lucrative tournament yet, with over $3.5 million in prize money allocated to both the men’s and women’s champions. The total prize pool for the event has surged to $75 million, marking a 15-percent increase from last year. Players exiting in the first round of the main draw will each receive $100,000.

The prestigious tournament, held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, will see top players like defending champions Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic aiming to retain their titles. Notable absentees include Andy Murray, who retired after the Olympics, Cameron Norrie due to a forearm injury, and Rafael Nadal, who withdrew citing inability to perform at his best.

In the women’s draw, Emma Raducanu returns after a two-year hiatus, facing Sofia Kenin in the first round. The men’s draw features world number one Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who is seeking his third Grand Slam title of the year. The U.S. Open Wheelchair Championships have been canceled due to a scheduling conflict with the Paralympic Games, but wheelchair players will receive a player grant equivalent to the prize money. The tournament runs from August 26 to September 8, with the women’s final on September 7 and the men’s final on September 8.