Players end Wimbledon prize money boycott protest

Aryna Sebalenka

The world’s leading players have ended their boycott of Wimbledon media duties after “constructive meetings” with the All England Club.

World number ones Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner were among the stars who limited their media appearances to 15 minutes on Saturday and Sunday in protest at the amount of prize money on offer at the Grand Slams.

The group, which also includes major champions Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, want the Grand Slams to put a greater share of their revenue towards prize money, as well as an increased contribution to welfare benefits such as pensions and maternity leave.

The action was supposed to take place over the entire first week of the Championships.

But the players’ representatives said they have decided to resume their full commitments immediately, given the positive nature of talks with Wimbledon organisers.

However, they still want the four Grand Slams to take further action.

“This decision is based on Wimbledon’s commitment to return with specific proposals addressing all three points of the players’ submission,” a statement issued on behalf of the players read.

“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 15-minute limit on media appearances was meant to symbolise the 15% of revenue which - broadly speaking - the Grand Slams allocate to prize money.

The players are asking each Grand Slam to provide a 16% slice of their revenue in prize money - with that figure increasing to 22% by 2030.

Wimbledon has already increased its overall prize money by 20% this year - the largest annual increase in the event’s history - to a total prize fund of £64.2m.

Organisers believe Wimbledon’s increased contribution is more than fair and also point to the money spent on improving player facilities at the All England Club.

(BBC sport)