Leading tennis players are planning to expand their protest regarding prize money at Wimbledon, even with a 20% increase in this year's total prize fund. The action follows a similar, though less extensive, protest during the recent French Open. Players will not only limit their availability during the pre-tournament media weekend but also intend to restrict post-match media appearances to 15 minutes throughout the first week of the Championships, which begin on Monday.
The 15-minute media limit is intended to symbolize the approximately 15% of tournament revenue that Grand Slams typically allocate to prize money. Player representatives stated that this decision was made after extensive consultations with players from both the men's and women's tours.
During the French Open, several players, including women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka, shortened their pre-tournament press conferences. Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek also participated in this 'work to rule' directive, though figures like Novak Djokovic, who has often advocated for player rights, did not.
Players had previously welcomed Wimbledon's 20% prize money increase as a "genuine and significant step forward" and a "meaningful statement of intent." However, they noted that this increase still falls short of the 16% of total tournament revenue they are seeking from all Grand Slams. This year's total prize fund at Wimbledon is £64.2 million, the largest annual increase in the event's history. The singles champions will each receive £3.6 million, with first-round losers earning £80,000. Despite the increase, the overall fund remains approximately £7 million less than players had hoped for.
The All England Club (AELTC) has stated that it does not view revenue percentages as the sole correct metric for determining prize money. Deborah Jevans, chair of the AELTC, previously told BBC Sport that such a metric is "purely based on revenue and doesn't take into account any costs," emphasizing the need for a sustainable business model that accounts for expenses like infrastructure and investment in grass court tennis.
Beyond prize money linked to revenue, players are also requesting contributions to their benefit pool and a greater role in the governance of the tournaments. Player representatives claim they have not received a "substantive response" from Wimbledon on these two issues. The AELTC disputes this, asserting that they contacted players earlier in the year to propose discussions about establishing a player council to address benefit issues, an offer that players reportedly rejected.
Sources within the AELTC have expressed surprise at the players' expanded protest. Discussions are also ongoing with other Grand Slams. The French Open saw a 9.5% increase in prize money, and player representatives anticipate proposals from the French Tennis Federation during Wimbledon. Additionally, discussions are planned with the U.S. Tennis Association as they finalize prize money for the U.S. Open, which is scheduled to begin on August 30.