WIMBLEDON INCREASES PRIZE FUND TO 64.2 MILLION POUNDS

LONDON, JUNE 11 /SRNA/ - Wimbledon organizers have announced a record prize pool of 64.2 million pounds for this year's championships, although it may not be enough to appease the top players who are demanding a bigger share of the income from the Grand Slam.

The prize pool is 20 percent higher than last year, with singles champions set to receive 3.6 million pounds, up from the previous 3 million pounds.

It is the biggest annual increase in the tournament's history, but comes at a time of growing demands from players who argue that the four Grand Slams represent a smaller share of the total income from other ATP and WTA events.

Some players have restricted their media appearances at the recent French Open and even threatened to boycott it.

Wimbledon chair Debbie Jevans said she had discussed prize money with Larry Scott, who is representing several leading players in their pay claims at the French Open.

The players were seeking a total Wimbledon prize fund of around 70 million pounds.

Players also cited pensions, tournament expansion, scheduling and late match finishes as issues fueling frustration, along with what some described as a persistent lack of dialogue with the organizers.

The prize money at Wimbledon has increased significantly across all rounds this year, with first-round singles losers taking home 80,000 pounds, up from 66,000 pounds in 2025.

Wimbledon also announced that the total prize money for the qualifying stages will increase by 25 percent to 6.2 pounds million.

This year’s tournament will feature several upgrades to the players' facilities in the renovated Millennium Building, including an improved women's area with a larger gym, improved medical and physiotherapy facilities, a new recovery area and a food bar.

Fans will also enjoy more shaded areas, but the World Cup will not be shown on the screens.

A video review system will be introduced on the court this year on six main courts, allowing players unrestricted review of certain decisions by the head umpire, such as a double bounce, service fault or net touch.

Visual indicators for live electronic line tracking will also be introduced on the scoreboards.