(April 23rd, 2013) -- Once again, Wimbledon has raised the bar even higher when it comes to prize money for its players.
At a press conference today, tournaments organizers at the All-England Club announced a massive increase in overall prize money not only for 2013 but for subsequent years.
Gentlemen's and Ladies' Singles winners this year will earn £1.6 million or nearly $2.5 million a 39% increase from 2012. Overall, prize money at this year's event will be boosted by £22.6m or nearly $34 million, a 40% increase from last year's rise.
Those bowing out early at the event will see an even bigger increase in their paychecks. First, second and third round losers will see a 60% rise in their earnings. Doubles players will also see a 22% increase as well.
Wimbledon will now pay out more in prize money than the other Majors (Australian Open, French Open, and U.S. Open) whose organizers also announced similar prize money increases earlier in the year. The rise is again partially due to meet recent player demands that they receive more of the overall earnings from the tournaments that they compete at.
Improvements were also unveiled for the grounds and several courts at the All-England Club as part of Wimbledon's new "master plan". No. 1 Court is still scheduled to have a retractable roof built with work completed in 2019.
The grounds at the All-England Club will also be completely renovated in the coming years.
Philip Brook, Chairman of the All England Club and The Championships, said “I would like to thank all those whose contribution to Wimbledon's success both on and off court has today enabled us to announce these significant levels of investment in The Championships. For the players, it is a deep appreciation of the demanding nature of professional tennis and the top-quality entertainment they bring, while for The Championships it is about giving all our visitors the finest stage on which to enjoy Wimbledon.”