London: Top tennis players at Wimbledon have ended their protest over prize money and will no longer limit media appearances during the first week of the Grand Slam tournament.
A statement on Monday from a players’ advisory firm said the decision followed “constructive meetings” with the All England Club over the weekend.
Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Club, said she was “really pleased” with the outcome.
“I think it's great news that we and they can now just concentrate on the Championships and on the tennis,” Bolton said. “We've had some really fruitful conversations over the weekend. They've been really positive.”
Most top-10-ranked players had said they would limit post-match media appearances to 15 minutes during the first week of the tournament, continuing a protest that began at the French Open. Players have argued their share of Grand Slam revenues is less than 15% and should be increased.
They have also called for higher contributions to a player welfare fund.
Wimbledon announced a 20% increase in total prize money this year and organisers expressed disappointment with the players’ decision to continue the protest.
However, further talks over the weekend proved productive, although the statement said “the underlying matters remain unresolved.”
“Constructive dialogue with Wimbledon and the other Grand Slams will continue,” the statement said. “The players and the Club will make no further comment at this time.”