Never underestimate the power of the mighty American dollar, especially if you are a professional tennis player competing at the US Open.

At the 2008 US Open Tennis prize money totalled US $19 million, ensuring that as well as the kudos of becoming a Grand Slam champion, the winners of the men's and women's tournaments would certainly have their respective bank managers sporting a large grin.

Just take a look at the figures for 2008. The winners of the two main singles events took home US $1.5 million each, while if you made the final and lost there was the small consolation of US $750,000 to ease the disappointment.

Battle your way to the last 16 and at least there is the small matter of US $80,000 to keep you in tennis rackets for a few years yet.

Even first-round losers at Flushing Meadows are reasonably well recompensed, walking away with a cheque for US $18,000 if they fall at the opening hurdle.
No wonder it is a tournament that every professional player – man or woman – wants to gain entry to.