Tennis stars have called off their planned media protest at Wimbledon after "constructive meetings" with the All England Club hierarchy. Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner were among those who limited their pre-tournament press conferences to 15 minutes over the weekend, but that action will not extend to post-match media duties throughout the Championships.
Background to the Protest
Top players have been frustrated at the prize money on offer at Grand Slams and have been pushing for tournaments to allocate a greater share of their revenue to players, as well as increased contributions to welfare benefits. Similar protests took place at the French Open, but those will now not be repeated over the next fortnight at Wimbledon.
Constructive Meetings and Outcome
A statement from Teneo, the communication group representing the players, said: "Following constructive meetings between player representatives and AELTC leadership over the weekend, players have confirmed they will resume normal tournament media duties from Monday 29 June. This decision is based on Wimbledon's commitment to return with specific proposals addressing all three points of the players' July 2025 submission."
Prize money at Wimbledon has already been increased by 20 per cent this year, the largest increase in the tournament's history. The total prize fund will be £64.2 million. The singles champions will pick up £3.6 million, while those losing in the first round will still receive £80,000.
Player Reactions
While several top players had continued with their protests in the build-up to Wimbledon, others decided against doing so. Alex de Minaur, who limited his media time in Paris, believed the prize money increase at SW19 deserved to be recognised. "I thought that Wimbledon made a big step in the right direction and something that should be noted," De Minaur said. "So this is for me to acknowledge their big step."
French Open champion Alexander Zverev also opted against the 15-minute press conference after deciding the media "can't really do anything about" the players' wishes. Sabalenka called Wimbledon's increases a "great start", but the collective statement from the players made it clear that more is still needed.
Future Steps
"The underlying matters remain unresolved and players will carefully evaluate the proposals once received," the statement said. "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 and the Club will make no further comment at this time."
