You might be thinking, “Why do tennis players earn so much?” It’s a fair question. Most of us work for decades to save £60,000.
But here’s the thing: Wimbledon makes astronomical amounts from TV rights, ticket sales, and those overpriced Pimm’s cups. The prize money is just a fraction of their revenue.
Wimbledon 2026 prize money, explained
And let’s not forget the lucky losers—players who get into the main draw as alternates. They get £45,000 just for showing up. It’s like winning the lottery, but with more serve practice.
A Little History Buff
In 1968, the first Open Era Wimbledon gave the men’s champion £2,000. That’s nothing today. Adjusted for inflation, it’s about £36,000. So yeah, the game has changed.
Back then, women’s champion Billie Jean King got only £750. She famously said, “We’re not going to take it anymore.” And she didn’t. Now? Equal pay, baby. Thank you, Billie Jean.
