The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has announced a significant increase in prize money for The Championships, Wimbledon, ahead of the 2025 campaign, setting a new record for the prestigious Grand Slam event. The total prize fund has been boosted to £53.5 million, marking a 7% jump from the previous year and doubling the amount offered a decade ago in 2015.
Substantial Boost for Champions
Both the Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Singles Champions will each receive a formidable £3 million, representing an 11.1% increase compared to the 2024 winners’ earnings. This substantial payout makes Wimbledon’s singles champion prize the highest among all Grand Slams.
Increases Across All Rounds
The prize money increases are not limited to the final rounds. Players eliminated in the first round of the singles main draws will see their earnings rise by 10% to £66,000. This demonstrates a commitment to supporting players across all stages of the tournament.
Boost for Other Events
The prize fund for other events has also seen healthy increases:
- Doubles events: A 4.4% increase.
- Mixed Doubles: A 4.3% increase.
- Wheelchair events: A 5.6% increase.
Responding to Player Demands
The surge in prize money comes as a direct response to increasing demands from top players for a larger share of Grand Slam revenues. AELTC chair Deborah Jevans highlighted the club’s engagement with players, stating, “We have listened to the players, we have engaged with the players.”
Beyond Prize Money: Addressing Broader Challenges
While the prize money increase is a welcome development, AELTC officials acknowledge that it doesn’t address all the underlying issues within professional tennis. Jevans emphasized concerns such as the lack of an off-season and increasing player injuries, stating that Wimbledon remains open to dialogue with tours to find broader solutions.
Alongside the record prize money, Wimbledon 2025 will introduce other significant changes:
- New Finals Start Times: The men’s and women’s singles finals will now commence at 4 pm local time (8:30 pm IST), a two-hour delay from previous years. Doubles finals will start earlier, at 1 pm local time.
- Electronic Line Calling: In a historic move, Wimbledon will no longer feature human line judges, fully implementing electronic line calling for the first time. This aims to enhance accuracy and modernize officiating.
The 2025 Wimbledon Championships are scheduled to run from Monday, June 30th to Sunday, July 13th.
