LONDON — Leading tennis players plan to expand their prize money protest at Wimbledon, which begins on Monday, June 29, 2026. Prior to the start of the championships, players will limit media time during the media weekend. Throughout the first week of Wimbledon, players also plan to restrict post-match appearances to 15 minutes.

The 15-minute limit is intended to symbolize the 15% of revenue that Grand Slams allocate to prize money. This expanded protest decision reportedly has the support of most of the world's top 20 players. Previous player actions occurred at the French Open, where Aryna Sabalenka cut short her pre-tournament press conference. Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek also followed a 'work to rule' directive at the French Open.

Wimbledon increased its total prize fund by 20% for the 2026 championships. The total prize fund for the tournament is £64.2 million, which represents the largest annual increase in Wimbledon's history. Singles champions will each receive £3.6 million. First-round losers at Wimbledon will be paid £80,000.

Players issued a statement describing the prize money increase as a "genuine and significant step forward" and a "meaningful statement of intent." However, players stated the prize money increase does not equate to the 16% of tournament revenue they are requesting. Players are campaigning for Grand Slams to link prize money to tournament revenue. They are also asking for contributions to their benefit pool and a greater say in how Grand Slam events are run.

Deborah Jevans, chair of the All England Club, commented on June 1, 2026, before the current protest expansion was announced, about the method of calculating prize money. She said, "We don't look at percentages, we don't actually believe that is the right metric." Jevans also stated, "You cannot run a sustainable business, and we have nearly been around for 150 years, just by looking at revenue. That is just plainly wrong." The total prize money sum is approximately £7 million short of what players had been hoping for.