Wimbledon to increase prize money, add roof over Court No. 1
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Two big changes are coming to Wimbledon, one this year, one in 2019.
Tournament organizers announced Tuesday that this year’s men’s and women’s singles champions will each receive $2.4 million, a significant increase over the $1.75 million last year’s winners, Roger Federer and Serena Williams, received. Prize money will increase for all players in all categories.
Also, it was announced that a retractable roof will be built over Court No. 1 in an attempt to avoid rain delays. Centre Court has had a retractable roof since 2009.
Wimbledon Chief Executive Richard Lewis said the increase in prize money comes because he wants to prevent players from feeling “less satisfied with the compensation.”
“The risk you run eventually by failing to invest is you get into a downward spiral — the championships at the moment are in an upward spiral. That’s why we have a track record of investing and we will continue to invest.”
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