Wimbledon stars end '15% protest' after prize money complaints

Wimbledon stars have called a temporary truce in their dispute over Grand Slam prize money after holding talks with tournament organisers.

Leading men's and women's players had limited their mandatory post-match media appearances to 15 minutes during the opening week of the Championships, arguing that players receive less than 15% of the revenue generated by Grand Slam events.

The dispute between the world's top players and the four Grand Slams has been ongoing since March 2025, with the media protest beginning at the French Open in May.

As well as calling for a greater share of tournament revenue, players have demanded contributions to welfare funds and the creation of a Grand Slam player committee. Some even warned they could boycott future tournaments if meaningful progress was not made.

In response to the growing pressure, the All England Club announced a record 20% increase in prize money for this year's Championships. However, the total prize fund of £64.2 million still fell short of the £71 million players had requested.

While ATP and WTA Tour events distribute around 22% of tournament revenue as prize money, Wimbledon's share remains at 14.4%. Players have been pushing for that figure to increase to 16%.

Although the media protest has now been suspended, players stressed that the wider dispute has not been resolved.

"Following constructive meetings between player representatives and AELTC leadership over the weekend, players have confirmed they will resume normal tournament media duties from Monday 29 June," a statement read.

"This decision is based on Wimbledon's commitment to return with specific proposals addressing all three points of the players' July 2025 submission. The underlying matters remain unresolved and players will carefully evaluate the proposals once received.

"Players will also be providing Wimbledon with further information they have requested in connection with those proposals during the course of the tournament. Constructive dialogue with Wimbledon and the other Grand Slams will continue. The players and the club will make no further comment at this time."

Wimbledon prize money 2026

The row over prize money has divided opinion across tennis. Critics argue that top players are already among the highest-paid athletes in sport, while supporters believe they deserve a larger share of the revenue they help generate.

Wimbledon continues to award equal prize money in the men's and women's singles events, with this year's champions each receiving £3.6 million.

Players eliminated in the first qualifying round earn £20,000, while reaching the main draw guarantees a minimum payout of £80,000.

Prize money is significantly lower in the doubles competitions. The men's and women's doubles champions receive £760,000 per pair, with first-round participants earning £18,000. In the mixed doubles, the winning team receives £148,000, while first-round entrants earn £5,200.

Despite the increase, Wimbledon's overall prize fund remains the second largest among the four Grand Slams, behind only the US Open.

Wimbledon singles prize money by round

• Champion — £3,600,000
• Runner-up — £1,800,000
• Semi-finalist — £900,000
• Quarter-finalist — £480,000
• Fourth round — £300,000
• Third round — £185,000
• Second round — £126,000
• First round — £80,000
• Qualifying (third round) — £50,000
• Qualifying (second round) — £32,000
• Qualifying (first round) — £20,000