At last year’s Wimbledon, the prize money reached an impressive £50 million, a significant leap from 2014 when the total was half that amount. Over this decade, even players exiting in the first round saw their prize money rise from £27,000 to £60,000.
Despite these increases, many players argue that the profit generated by Grand Slam events warrants an even larger payout. For instance, up until July 2023, the All England Club (AELTC) reported a turnover of £380 million. However, after covering the costs of hosting the Championships, the operating profit whittled down to just under £54 million.
Intriguingly, nearly £49 million of this profit was funneled to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) under a long-term agreement where AELTC commits to handing over 90% of its annual surplus until 2053. The expenses accounted for include not just prize money and staffing over 8,000 seasonal jobs, but also maintaining the venue and supporting other grass court tournaments.
Zheng Qinwen, the Olympic champion, highlighted that boosting prize money could be a lifeline for lower-ranked players who often struggle financially during the off-season. In her view, “It’s a win for all competitors, not just the top-tier, especially for those who slog throughout the year and rely on Grand Slam earnings to keep afloat,” said the world number eight from China.
She further added, “We’re doing what we can, and we’ll see what fate brings. But at least we’re making an effort.”
