Prize money was first awarded in 1968, the first year that professional players were allowed to compete in the Championships.
Prior to 2007, among grand slam tournaments, Wimbledon and the French Open awarded more prize money in men's events than in women's events. In 2007, Wimbledon changed this policy, giving the same money for both events. There has been considerable controversy with people complaining that men play two thirds more sets than women at the tournament and thus now earn far less per hour than their female counterparts. However, tennis players are not paid by the hour and those who play longer or shorter games, sets or matches are not rewarded accordingly.
The prize money given to the winners for each of the main events in the year 2007 are described as below ( this is the prize money given for the doubles events are meant for per pair):
1. Gentlemen's singles winner received prize money of US $ 1,482,800.95
2. Ladies' singles winners received the prize amount of US $ 448,405,.23
3. Ladies' Doubles Winners got the prize money of US $ 448,405.23
4. Mixed Doubles Winners received the prize money of US $ 181,051.91
5. In the year 2007, prize money given to the Gentlemen's and Ladies' Singles are the same.
6. The sum total of the prize money at Wimbledon in the year 2007 is 9% more than the prize money of 2006.
7. In 2009, a total of £12,500,000 in prize money was awarded with the singles champions receiving £850,000 each, an increase of 13.3 percent on 2008.
For the 2010 Championships, the total prize money increased to £13,725,000, and the singles champions received £1,000,000 each.
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