The Wimbledon prize fund has been increased to a record 53.5 million pounds, about 73 million dollars, and the champions in the women’s and men’s singles competitions will each receive three million pounds, or four million dollars, the organizers of the Grand Slam tennis tournament announced yesterday.
The prize fund has been increased by 3.5 million pounds compared to last year, or seven percent, which is twice as much as was awarded to competitors at the tournament ten years ago.
“We are extremely proud of the fact that, if you look back ten years, you can see an increase – this year by seven percent. And we listened to the players, we collaborated with the players,” said All England Club chairwoman Deborah Jevans.
The Wimbledon singles winners will receive 11.1 percent more money than last year, which is the result of growing demands from players for a larger share in the profits from Grand Slam tournaments.
Players who lose in the first round of singles will receive 66.000 pounds, which is ten percent more than last year.
Wimbledon will begin on June 30th and will last until July 13th.
For the first time in the history of the oldest Grand Slam, line judges will be replaced by an electronic system.
