Top-tier tennis professionals are escalating their push for higher prize money at Wimbledon, notwithstanding the tournament’s recent 20% increase in total payouts. Building on actions taken during the French Open, competitors intend to restrict their media availability further. During the championships starting this Monday, athletes plan to cap post-match interview sessions at 15 minutes, mirroring the 15% revenue share they argue is currently allocated to prize funds.
Reports suggest that a majority of the top 20 players globally back this initiative. While notable figures such as Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, and Iga Swiatek previously participated in similar restrictions in Paris, Novak Djokovic notably declined to join the movement. This year, Wimbledon will distribute £64.2 million in total prize money, with singles champions earning £3.6 million each. Although the players acknowledged this record increase as a positive move, they maintain that it falls short of their requested 16% revenue-linked target.
Beyond the revenue percentage, the athletes are advocating for contributions to a benefit pool and improved representation in tournament governance. Deborah Jevans, chair of the All England Club, countered the protest, stating that revenue percentage is an unsuitable metric for running a sustainable business. She emphasized that the club must balance prize increases with significant infrastructure and operational costs inherent to maintaining a nearly 150-year-old event.
