The tournament`s prize fund is again higher than in Australia and France. However, the organizers` earnings are traditionally more modest than at other majors. Why is this? And what are the chances for Russians?
Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam tournament of the year, has begun in London. It`s a familiar paradox in the tennis world: they pay more in prizes but earn less as an organization. While many call it the oldest major, that title is slightly contentious, as the first championship at the All England Club was held in 1877, just four years before the US Open in 1881 and a decade before the French Major (later Roland Garros) was established. The difference in age is relatively small.
Skepticism regarding English traditions is also understandable, as these very traditions are often cited to explain the more modest revenues compared, for instance, to the American tournament. The most notable example is the complete absence of sponsor logos on the court perimeters; just like a century and a half ago, the boards remain simply green.
Now, let`s consider the prospects for Russian players. Among the four men competing, Daniil Medvedev is highlighted as the main hope. Some point to a less successful period under coach Gilles Simon as a reason for his recent form dip. However, his primary mentor, Gilles Cervara, with whom he achieved his greatest successes, remains his main coach. According to Daniil himself, something extraordinary would have to happen for him to part ways with this specialist.
In an interview with Sonya Tartakova for the media project «More!», Medvedev shared his thoughts:
It would take dropping out, probably from the top 20, and truly falling into a panic. Currently, I`m not panicking at all because I know how we work and what we are doing. Well, maybe, perhaps, like in football, right? Sometimes you get a new coach and, boom, for four or five tournaments, it helps you somehow! Like a boost! But in tennis, it really won`t give you anything in the long run. The other consideration is if you feel, well, you`re panicking, you no longer know what to do on the court – then okay, you could change the coach. Just to, precisely, get out of this panic, try something new. But I believe in the long-term picture, it won`t help and might even make things worse.
In the upcoming matches in London, Daniil must defend 800 ranking points from last year`s semifinal, where he was defeated in four sets by the eventual champion, Spain`s Alcaraz. Carlos, the champion from last year, is the second seed this time. The top seed is Jannik Sinner of Italy. Medvedev is positioned to avoid meeting Sinner before the final and Alcaraz before the semifinals. In the quarterfinals, the Russian might face Germany`s Alexander Zverev, whom he recently overcame in the Halle semifinal. Up to that stage, Daniil`s draw appears favorable.
Other Russian men participating include Roman Safiullin, Karen Khachanov, and Andrey Rublev. Rublev was eliminated in the first round last year; this time, he starts against Serbia`s Laslo Djere.
For the women, there`s a large contingent of 12 Russian players, including Anastasia Zakharova, who successfully navigated the qualifiers. Much attention is on Mirra Andreeva, although grass is reportedly not her most preferred surface. She has only managed one victory in her three grass court matches this season. Ekaterina Alexandrova is said to be in good form. If she progresses without issues, she is projected to meet the third seed, Jessica Pegula, in the Round of 16, followed potentially by either Mirra Andreeva or the reigning Wimbledon champion, Barbora Krejcikova. Experts express hope that at least one Russian woman will reach the quarterfinals, considering this a positive result.
Historically, the British major has been the most challenging for Russian players. Only Maria Sharapova managed to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish for winning the title in 2004. For the men, the best results have been semifinal appearances by Daniil Medvedev and Marat Safin.
The Wimbledon prize fund has been increased once more. Compared to last year, it has grown by 7% and now exceeds £53.5 million, which is almost €63 million. The largest earnings will go to the singles champions: the winners of both the men`s and women`s finals will each receive €3,511,000.
