Wimbledon tournament director Jamie Baker has defended the championship’s prize money structure amid rising demands from players for a larger share of profits generated by Grand Slam events.
The champions of this year’s men’s and women’s singles titles at the All England Club will each take home £3 million ($4 million), an increase of more than 11 percent compared to 2024. Meanwhile, players reaching the main draw are guaranteed a minimum of £66,000 — a rise of 10 percent.
Calls for a greater cut of Grand Slam revenues have intensified in recent months, with leading players from both the ATP and WTA circuits reportedly sending a letter in April to the heads of the four majors — the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open — requesting a larger share of the tournaments’ earnings. A meeting to discuss the issue was held during the French Open.
Speaking on Friday, 4 July, Baker, a former professional player himself, said Wimbledon’s prize money increases over the past two decades reflect a continued commitment to the players.
“Over a long period of time, players are earning more, this organisation is doing better, and demand to experience Wimbledon — whether in person or around the world — has grown as a result of that partnership,” he said.
“Our position on this won’t change. The decisions we make are always focused on helping players earn more. That’s why if you look at the increases over the years, they’ve consistently outpaced standard inflation.”
Despite the players’ push for a bigger financial share, Baker said he remains unfazed by the conversation.
“I’d be worried if people weren’t asking to be paid more,” he added. “Who around this table doesn’t want to be paid more? It’s just part of life.”