A group of 20 top tennis players, including world number ones Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner, have escalated their protest over prize money at Wimbledon, imposing a 15-minute limit on post-match press conferences during the first week of the tournament. The action follows similar protests at the French Open and comes despite Wimbledon announcing a 20% increase in total prize money to £64.2 million for 2026.
Players demand higher revenue share and welfare contributions
The players are demanding that grand slams pay out a greater proportion of their revenue, targeting 22% by 2030, in line with ATP and WTA Tour figures. They are also pushing for contributions to welfare programmes, including pensions, and a genuine say in decision-making. The group first wrote to the slams last spring, but were dissatisfied with the response.
Ahead of the French Open, they released a statement expressing disappointment at a prize money increase of just 9.5%. At Roland Garros, they restricted pre-match media commitments to 15 minutes, reflecting the approximate percentage of revenue paid out. The protest brought French Open organisers to the negotiating table, who pledged a concrete proposal, and also led to talks with Wimbledon and US Open officials.
Wimbledon's 20% prize money increase deemed insufficient
Wimbledon announced a total prize money fund of £64.2 million for 2026, a 20% rise from 2025, representing a £10.7 million uplift. All England Club chair Debbie Jevans said: "For 2026 the prize money fund will be £64.2m, that is a 20 per cent increase on last year and £10.7m uplift which allows players to continue to share in our success. Our support for players is distributed throughout the draw. Gentleman and Ladies singles' champions will each receive £3.6m and first-round prize money is set at £80,000, so players that lose in the first round will share more than £5m in prize money. These figures represent a substantial increase in prize money."
The players initially responded positively, calling the figure a "meaningful signal of intent". However, they have now escalated the protest, extending the 15-minute limit to post-match press conferences during the first week, impacting broadcast partners like the BBC. Wimbledon had planned talks with players' representative Larry Scott after the tournament, but tensions have heightened.
US Open next in line for potential protest
Attention now turns to the US Open, where prize money was already increased by 20% the previous year. Another substantial rise is anticipated, particularly given high ticket prices. There is also speculation about a potential boycott of the mixed doubles draw, which was moved to the week before the main event last year and attracted top names.
