Record Prize Money, No Line Judges: Wimbledon Announces Historic Changes For 2025 Tournament

Wimbledon has announced an increase in prize money for this year’s championships, raising the total to £53.5 million ($72.59 million).

This is a 7% increase from 2024 and double the amount offered a decade ago, according to the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC).

The singles champions will each receive £3 million ($4.07 million), the highest of all Grand Slams and an 11.1% increase over the prize money awarded to Carlos Alcaraz and Barbora Krejcikova last year.

Players eliminated in the first round of the singles events will get £66,000, a 10% increase from the previous year. Prize money for doubles has increased by 4.4%, mixed doubles by 4.3%, and wheelchair and quad wheelchair events by 5.6%.

This increase follows calls from the world’s top players for significant improvements in prize money at the four Grand Slams to ensure a more equitable distribution of revenue.

“We have listened to the players, and we have engaged with them," said AELTC chair Deborah Jevans.

However, she noted that focusing solely on prize money does not address the core challenges facing tennis.

“The challenge with tennis is the lack of an off-season, which players want, and the increasing injuries they are experiencing," Jevans added.

Wimbledon is open to discussions with the tours to find solutions, but no proposals have been made to change the tour’s structure.

The AELTC also announced new timings for finals. The doubles finals on the weekend will start at 1 p.m. local time, and the singles finals at 4 p.m.

This adjustment may affect playing conditions, such as closing the roof and turning on the lights if matches extend into the night.

Referencing the French Open final that lasted five hours and 29 minutes, AELTC chief executive Sally Bolton said the timing changes aim to ensure an “improved experience" for all.

This year’s championships will also feature a significant change with the replacement of line judges by an electronic line calling system, aligning with the practice at other tournaments worldwide.

(with agency inputs)