Players rewarded as Wimbledon prize fund increases

WIMBLEDON will give this year’s winners £1m (€1.14m) as the All England Club continues to defy the credit crunch.

The recession-busting 17.6% increase on the 2009 purse will be awarded to the men’s and women’s champions, securing the tournament near-parity with the US Open. The total prize money for Wimbledon will be £13.725m (€15.6m), up by £1.175m (€1.34m) on last year, and has doubled over the last decade.

Tim Phillips, chairman of the All England Club, revealed the rise was driven by exchange rates and a desire to recognise players’ dedication.