The organizers of the Wimbledon tournament, which begins on June 27, announced Thursday that the winners of the men’s and women’s singles will each receive 2 million pounds (2.3 million euros/ 2.45 million dollars), a record amount.
The total endowment of the tournament reaches 40.35 million pounds (47 million euros / about 51 million dollars), which represents an increase of more than 11% compared to last year, an edition that took place with capacity limitations within the framework of the measures against covid-19.
In 2020, the tournament had been cancelled, and compared to 2019, the last ‘normal’ edition of the Grand Slam on grass, the increase in the endowment is 5.4%.
After the withdrawal of the ATP and WTA points awarded during the tournament, decided after the Wimbledon organizers’ decision to exclude Russian and Belarusian players due to the invasion of Ukraine, some observers thought that with it the amount of the prizes would decrease.
The finalist and the finalist will receive 1 million pounds (1.17 million euros / 1.25 million dollars) and a defeat in the first round will award the consolation of 50,000 pounds (58,500 euros / 62,700 dollars) to the loser or loser.
“From the first round of the previous ones to the title, the endowment this year aims to reflect the importance that the players give to this tournament”, explained Ian Hewitt, president of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC), organizer of Wimbledon.
The matches of main draw will start on June 27, being Novak Djokovic the current champion of the men’s category and the already retired Ashley Barty in women.