How record US Open prize money compares to rival grand slams

Tennis stars at the US Open will share in the richest purse in the sport's history, giving players all the incentive in the world to perform well at the last grand slam of the year.

The United States Tennis Association has announced a nine per cent increase in total prize money, topping AU$63 million for the first time.

The new figures lock the US Open in at the top of the pile ahead of the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon.

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Roger Federer took home $3.6m when he defeated Marin Cilic at the All England Club on Sunday night, which followed the $3.7m he won for defeating Rafael Nadal in Melbourne in January.

However, those prizes almost pale in comparison to what the Swiss great could take home from Flushing Meadows in September.

The US Open champions - both men and women - will pocket $4.6m for their efforts at the New York tournament.

But what of the rest of the field? With 256 players in the singles draws, there is plenty of money to go around at the four majors.

Here is how they compare, with all figures quoted in Australian dollars.