Sabalenka backs Wimbledon prize-money protest despite record increase
The world No. 1 said players are pressing Grand Slam organizers for better pay and welfare support, especially for lower-ranked competitors.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
Aryna Sabalenka defended a protest by leading tennis players over Wimbledon prize money, saying the action is aimed at helping lower-ranked players rather than the sport’s biggest earners. Reuters reported that the world No. 1 and top seed spoke after Wimbledon raised its prize fund by a record 20 percent this year.
The dispute centers on how much of Grand Slam revenue goes to players. Reuters reported that Sabalenka is part of a group represented by former WTA chief executive Larry Scott that wants a larger share of tournament income and better player welfare measures.
Wimbledon’s prize pool for this year is 64.2 million pounds, or $84.7 million, according to Reuters. That equals about 15 percent of the tournament’s revenue, below the 16 percent share sought by players, which would be roughly 70 million pounds, or $92.4 million.
Sabalenka held a shortened news conference before Wimbledon, matching a tactic used by some players at the French Open, Reuters reported. She said the increase was a positive step but argued that the players still want direct talks with tournament officials to settle the issue.
Asked whether complaints from leading players could be poorly received by fans facing higher ticket and food prices, Sabalenka said the campaign was for the wider tour. She said lower-ranked players can struggle with costs such as hiring a coach, according to Reuters.
The Belarusian player also said the protest was limited to media duties and that players were still competing and providing the event’s on-court product. Reuters reported that she said she believed spectators would understand the reason for the action.
The financial increases at Wimbledon are substantial at the top and lower end of the draw. Reuters reported that this year’s singles champions will receive 3.6 million pounds, or $4.7 million, up from the 3 million pounds, or $4 million, paid to the 2025 champions, Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner.
Players who lose in the first round will receive 80,000 pounds, or $106,000, Reuters reported. That is up from 66,000 pounds last year.
The All England Club said this week that it was disappointed by the protest and surprised it had gone ahead, according to Reuters. The club said players had rejected its proposed player council, which it presented as a way to address concerns.
The club also said this year’s prize-money rise was the largest in Wimbledon history. According to Reuters, it pointed to hundreds of millions of pounds being spent on player facility upgrades as part of a three-year plan to improve the performance environment at the tournament.
Sabalenka, 28, enters Wimbledon after a difficult French Open, Reuters reported. She lost the final 10 games of her quarterfinal against Russia’s Diana Shnaider and said she had since worked through the setback with help from her psychologist.
Reuters reported that Sabalenka said her game and mindset were coming back into place before the grass-court Grand Slam. She is seeking her first Wimbledon title.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.