Wimbledon responds to calls to share the wealth

LONDON – Wimbledon chiefs have increased the total prize money on offer at the grass-court tournament to £16,1 million (US$26m, 19,7 million euros) in a bid to satisfy calls for a fairer distribution of the wealth at grand slams.

There has been growing unrest among players that too much of the prize money on offer at the four majors went to the top stars, who routinely reach the lucrative later stages, at the expense of the lower ranked competitors.Late last year there were suggestions that the issue could even prompt strike action which would threaten the stability of the sport.But All England Club officials entered into talks with Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray – the top four in the men’s rankings – to debate the problem at the Indian Wells event earlier this year.And Wimbledon has responded to the big four’s demands with a 10 per cent increase of £1,5 million on the 2011 total prize money in a bid to ease the lower players’ complaints that the cost of living on tour wasn’t matched by the rewards on offer at tournaments.While the men’s and women’s singles champions will now take home a cheque for £1,15 million, a £50 000 rise from 2011, it is the players who crash out earlier in the tournament who benefit most from the changes.An increase of 26 percent in prize money for first-round losers means they get £14,500 (US$23 400, 17 800 euros) for just a few hours unsuccessful work compared to £11,500 last year.Second-round losers will get £23 125, a 14,9 per cent rise, while third round defeats are worth £38 785, an increase of 13,1 per cent.The daily allowance paid to players in the men’s and women’s main draws have gone up from £170 to £200, while there is also a 21 per cent rise for losers in the Wimbledon qualifying event.The singles’ runners-up will get £575 000 and beaten semi-finalists earn £287 500, both minimal rises of 4,5 per cent.’Wimbledon continues to be successful and we are delighted to share that success with the players by increasing total prize money by 10 per cent, the largest increase since 1993,’ All England Club chairman Phillip Brook said.’At the same time we appreciate the need to help players meet the rising costs associated with professional tennis, so the majority of the record £1,5 million increase will be distributed to those who are knocked out in the early rounds of the Championships.’ – Nampa-AFP

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