Yannick Sinner. Photo: Getty Images
As Logos Press previously reported, the tournament’s prize money increased by 20% compared to last year, reaching a record 64.2 million pounds sterling (74.5 million euros).
However, it was precisely because of the prize money that Wimbledon 2026 began with a protest by star tennis players. More precisely, they continued the dispute with the organizers of the Grand Slam tournaments that they had begun at the French Open, “Roland Garros.” At that time, the world’s top tennis players limited their interactions with journalists during media day to 15 minutes.
At the tournament in London, the 15-minute time limit for speaking with the press will apply not only on the designated media day but throughout the entire first week of Wimbledon.
What Are the Millionaire Players’ Concerns?
The tennis players informed the organizers of their intentions in a special letter.
“A joint group of leading ATP and WTA players competing at Wimbledon has decided to reduce their participation in Media Day and to limit post-match interviews during the first week of the tournament (through Saturday, July 4) to 15 minutes, including press conferences and interviews in the mixed zone. The players took all factors into account, including Wimbledon’s announcement of an increase in prize money. “However, this campaign has never been solely about prize money, and the reasons for this decision reflect broader issues,” Sport-Express quotes the letter as saying.
The crux of their complaints is that even the increased prize money falls short of professional tennis players’ demands.
They want to receive 15% of the organizers’ revenue, which is why a 15-minute limit on speaking with journalists was symbolically chosen. The current prize fund falls slightly short—14.4% of the projected revenue of 446 million pounds.
The players believe this share is even lower than the 14.9% target set for 2025. Right now, at Wimbledon, they would be satisfied with 16% (71 million pounds) of revenue. In other words, they want the prize money to jump not by 20%, but by 34% compared to last year. Overall, they want their share of revenue to increase to 22% at Grand Slam tournaments by 2030.
Organizers are surprised and disappointed
The organizers of the Grand Slam tournaments are unwilling to agree to the players’ demands, although they state that it is important to sit down at the negotiating table. They argue that the revenue figure can be misleading, as it does not account for all the costs associated with hosting major tournaments.
They emphasize that in recent years, organizers have invested heavily in infrastructure for players, including upgrades to gyms, rest areas, lounges, and restaurants for tennis players.
“We are surprised and disappointed by this decision,” reads a statement from the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. “We contribute significant funds to the prize pool every year and are investing hundreds of millions of pounds in modernizing our facilities for players as part of a three-year transformation program aimed at creating world-class conditions to enhance athletic performance.”.
Stars advocate for less prestigious tournaments
The boycott was supported by most of the top 20 players in the WTA and ATP rankings, including Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, and Cori Gauff. World No. 1 Sabalenka, who earned a record $15 million last year, insists that her primary concern is not for herself, but for those ranked below her.
“I hope we never have to talk about boycotts again. Please understand, we’re not doing this for ourselves. We’re doing this for the entire tour. For those players who can barely afford to hire a coach. It’s very tough for those lower in the rankings; we’re fighting specifically for them. I’m sure the fans understand us. We’re the ones who step onto the court, play matches, and put on a show. The only thing we’re limiting right now is our obligations to the media. We’re simply trying to reach an agreement that will satisfy all parties,” the Belarusian told Punto de Break.
Another demand, which isn’t being discussed as loudly as prize money, is player welfare, including pension, medical, and maternity benefits. Tennis players also want greater involvement in key decisions regarding issues such as scheduling, late match finishes, and prolonged tournaments.
