The world’s leading tennis players have ended their boycott of Wimbledon media duties after what they described as “constructive meetings” with the All England Club over prize money and player welfare.
World number ones Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner were among a group of top players who limited their media appearances to 15 minutes on Saturday and Sunday in protest over the share of Grand Slam revenue allocated to prize money. The protest was originally expected to continue throughout the first week of the Championships.
The players, whose group also includes Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, are seeking a larger share of Grand Slam revenue for prize money, as well as greater financial support for welfare programmes, including pensions and maternity leave.
In a statement released on behalf of the players, their representatives confirmed they would immediately resume full media commitments following positive discussions with Wimbledon organisers.
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“This decision is based on Wimbledon’s commitment to return with specific proposals addressing all three points of the players’ submission,” the statement said.
“The underlying matters remain unresolved and players will carefully evaluate the proposals once received.
“Players will also be providing Wimbledon with further information they have requested in connection with those proposals during the course of the tournament.
“Constructive dialogue with Wimbledon and the other Grand Slams will continue.”
The players said the issues remain unresolved despite ending the protest.
The 15-minute media limit was intended to symbolise what the players say is the roughly 15% share of Grand Slam revenue currently distributed as prize money. They are asking each Grand Slam to increase that figure to 16%, with a gradual rise to 22% by 2030.
Wimbledon has already increased its total prize fund by 20% this year to £64.2 million, the largest annual increase in the tournament’s history. Organisers have argued that the increase, alongside continued investment in player facilities at the All England Club, represents a fair contribution.
This year’s Wimbledon singles champions will each receive £3.6 million in prize money, up from £3 million last year, while players eliminated in the first round will earn £80,000.
