Wimbledon Prize-Money Protest Extends Into First Week

At the French Open, top players began a direct-action protest by limiting pre-tournament media to 15 minutes—reflecting the roughly 14 % revenue share they receive—and demanded a rise to 22 % for prize money plus stronger welfare provisions such as pensions and maternity leave. An advisory firm representing the players said the protest will continue at Wimbledon.

ESPN

At Wimbledon, top players continue their protest by limiting media to 15 minutes in the first week, while the All England Club raised total prize money by 20 % to £64.2 million, with singles champions earning £3.6 million each. Players argue share of revenue remains around 14.4 %, below 14.9 % ten years ago.

ESPN

• Protest leaders: Jessica Pegula (No. 4), Jannik Sinner (No. 1), Aryna Sabalenka (No. 1), Coco Gauff.

BBC News

• Non-participating players: Alex de Minaur, Cameron Norrie, Ben Shelton.

ESPN

• Organizations: All England Club, advisory firm representing players, WTA (via former chief Larry Scott).

The Hindu

• The total prize fund rose 20 % to £64.2 million (? $85 million), with singles champions earning £3.6 million each.

The Hindu

• First-round losers: €80,000 (up from €66,000).

The Hindu

• Players' revenue share: 14.4 % of projected Wimbledon revenue (vs. 14.9 % ten years ago; 14.3 % at French Open).

ESPN

The All England Club said it was “surprised and disappointed by this action,” noted the 20 % prize-money increase and investment in facilities, and an advisory firm confirmed the direct-action protest will continue during Wimbledon’s first week. Players’ collective message seeks a table to negotiate a revenue-share model, while Wimbledon’s offer to create a player council was declined.

ESPN

Alex de Minaur praised Wimbledon’s step, calling it a “big step in the right direction.” Cameron Norrie called the increase “absolutely huge,” noting improved facilities. Ben Shelton highlighted Wimbledon’s treatment of players and the effort shown by the prize-money rise.

The Independent

Sources differ on the exact revenue-share figure: 14.3 % (French Open), 14.4 % (Wimbledon), and a rounded 15 % cited elsewhere. No source provides the tournament’s total revenue, leaving the 22 % target unquantified.

ESPN

• “I really hope we can finally get to the table and really get it done, come to a conclusion that everyone is going to be happy with.” — Aryna Sabalenka, World No. 1

The Independent

• “It’s getting better even though we are not (at) the point where we are 100% happy,” — Jannik Sinner, World No. 1

Associated Press

• “We do it for the tour, we don't do it for ourselves. We do it for the rest of the players who are suffering to even hire [a] coach.” — Aryna Sabalenka

BBC News

• “Again, I'm here now to talk about tennis.” — Jannik Sinner

ESPN

• “I thought that Wimbledon made a big step in the right direction, and something that should be noted.” — Alex de Minaur

The Independent

Players plan to assess progress during the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the season, and continue negotiations with tournament organizers and the WTA.

ESPN