Wimbledon stars make decision over Grand Slam protests days before tournament

The world’s leading tennis players have made a decision on whether to continue their prize money protest at Wimbledon.

Several of the highest-ranked professional tennis players took part in a protest at the French Open, with some limiting their pre-tournament media commitments to 15 minutes in a dispute over prize money.

The debate surrounding revenue sharing and prize money has been ongoing for several years, with WTA world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka regularly speaking out on the topic. Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek have also taken part in the 'work-to-rule' directive.

Despite previously speaking out on the issue, Novak Djokovic did not take part in the action at Roland Garros.

A 9.5 per cent increase in prize money did not go down well with most leading players ahead of the clay-court major.

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And with the third Grand Slam of the 2026 season just days away, leading players have confirmed they will once again stage a protest, this time taking their action a step further by restricting media appearances to 15 minutes before and during the Championships.

The 15-minute limit symbolises the 15 per cent revenue share that Grand Slams allocate to prize money.

This comes after Wimbledon confirmed it had increased this year’s prize money by 20 per cent, taking the total pot to £64.2 million. Singles champions will take home £3.6 million, while those who lose in the first round will still walk away with £80,000 for their efforts.

Players acknowledged the move in a statement, describing the decision as a “meaningful statement of intent”, while also maintaining that the increase does not match the 16 per cent of tournament revenue they requested.

The total prize pot is still around £7 million short of the players’ request.

In addition to seeking an increase in revenue sharing, players are also asking for contributions to their benefits pool and a greater say in event decision-making.

In a statement to BBC Sport earlier in June, the chair of the All England Club, Deborah Jevans, said: “We don't look at percentages; we don't actually believe that is the right metric.

“It is one metric that is based purely on revenue and doesn't take into account any costs, and we cannot run a business in that way.

“We have expenses. We have spoken about infrastructure and investment in grass-court tennis.

“You cannot run a sustainable business — and we have been around for nearly 150 years — just by looking at revenue. That is just plainly wrong.”

Wimbledon’s first round gets under way on Monday, 29 June.

Wimbledon 2026 singles prize money

Champion – £3,600,000

Runner-up – £1,800,000

Semi-finalist – £900,000

Quarter-finalist – £480,000

Last 16 – £300,000

Last 32 – £185,000

Last 64 – £126,000

First round – £80,000