As the US Open reaches its thrilling climax, all eyes are on the weekend’s showdown where the ultimate glory awaits! On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula are gearing up for what could be the match of their careers. With both players chasing their first-ever US Open title, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But winning the title won’t just be about adding a Grand Slam trophy to their cabinet—it also comes with a jaw-dropping payday! So, how much is on the line?

The US Open would be distributing prizes from a record prize pool of $75 million this year. This marks the highest prize pool that has been awarded to the ATP and WTA players ever in the history of the tournament. Upon winning the title, Pegula or Sabalenka would win a whopping $3.6 Million, per the official US Open website. The amount has witnessed a remarkable rise of 20% than what Coco Gauff did in the 2023 edition of the tournament. Remember, the American star won $3 million after winning the title. Meanwhile, the stakes are equally high for the runner-up as well. 

Whoever falls short of winning the title between Pegula and Sabalenka will also return home with a hefty amount in the bank. The runner-up prize money has also witnessed a similar rise of 20% with the player earning $1.8 million. This figure was $1.5 million and was bagged by Belarusian star Sabalenka. 

For the unversed, the US Open does not discriminate between the male and the female athletes. In fact, it was the first Grand Slam to announce equal prize money for men and women in 1973, thereby making a remarkable move in the tennis arena. However, for Pegula, money has never been a motivating factor during tournaments. 

When Jessica Pegula revealed the criticism she faces for her billionaire background

Jessica Pegula is the heiress of $7.7B fortune that has been amassed by her parents, Terry and Kim Pegula, who won the NFL franchise Buffalo Bills. But this does not give her any additional luxury, and she always needs to defend herself from criticisms. 

Speaking in an interview, Pegula revealed her frustration, “It’s kind of annoying that people think I have a butler, that I get chauffeured around. I have a private limo, that I fly private everywhere….I’m definitely not like that,” she said, per Express. 

Continuing further, she reflected that she tries to demonstrate indifference to such criticisms. “It’s a little annoying, but honestly, I just think it’s kind of funny because I don’t really even know anyone that lives like that. It’s outrageous.” But for now, the only thing that both players would be focusing on is ousting each other.

While it remains interesting to be seen who emerges as the ultimate winner, one thing is certain and it is the electrifying showdown that would take place between the two.