Sabalenka, Sinner lead Wimbledon prize money protest despite record 20% increase

The protest

On Saturday, top players including Sabalenka and defending champion Sinner held curtailed press conferences, sticking to the 15-minute limit they had adopted at the French Open last month. The briefings symbolise the percentage of revenue the slams pay out in prize money, currently about 15% at Wimbledon. Jessica Pegula said the action is likely to continue at the US Open in August.

“Fifteen minutes, some people are like: ‘Well, what is that going to do?’ Well, we usually spend 90 minutes, so I think we saw it work well. I think it’s an easy way to get players to become united when you tell them they don’t have to do media.”

Prize money increase and revenue share

Wimbledon responded to the earlier protest by raising total prize money by 20% to £64.2 million ($84.7m), the largest one-year increase in the event’s history. The champions will earn £3.6 million, up from £3 million in 2025, while first-round losers receive £80,000, up from £66,000. But players argue that the share of tournament revenue has barely moved in a decade. Sabalenka noted that compared to 2016, the percentage has stayed the same. The players’ group, advised by former WTA CEO Larry Scott, wants at least 16% of revenue (about £70 million), with one report claiming a demand for 22%.

2025 Champion3,000,000

2026 Champion3,600,000

2025 First-round loser66,000

2026 First-round loser80,000

2025 Champion

3000000 £

2026 Champion

3600000 £

2025 First-round loser

66000 £

2026 First-round loser

80000 £

Data from the article text

Current share (2026)15%

Players' demand16%

Current share (2026)

15 %

Players' demand

16 %

Data from the article text

Player solidarity – for the tour, not themselves

Sabalenka insisted the protest was about supporting lower-ranked players struggling to cover costs.

“We do it for the tour, we don’t do it for ourselves. We do it for the rest of the players who are suffering to even hire a coach. It’s not an easy life for lower-ranked players.”

She added:

“I hope we sit down at a table, negotiate, and never have to boycott media or a tournament again.”

Sinner, though less forthcoming, said it was “not only about the money” but player welfare overall. He answered just six questions in English before refusing further ones on the dispute.

Wimbledon’s response and fractures

The All England Club said it was “surprised and disappointed” by the continued protest and that a proposed new player council to discuss welfare had been rejected by the players. Club officials emphasised the investments in player facilities, part of a three-year transformation plan. Within the player group, some frustration emerged over the decision to target Wimbledon despite the concessions, pointing to fissures in the united front.