Wimbledon 2025 Begins: Alcaraz Returns, Record Prize

The 2025 edition of Wimbledon officially began on Monday, June 30, with a highly anticipated match featuring defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. The Spanish star returned to Centre Court to face veteran Italian player Fabio Fognini in his opening-round match.

Alcaraz, currently in strong form after winning both the French Open and Queen's Club titles, is aiming to retain his Wimbledon crown. His win at Queen’s Club earlier this month marked his growing dominance on grass, a surface that was once his weakness. At just 22, Alcaraz is already considered one of the top contenders in this year’s tournament.

His path to a potential second Wimbledon title may be less complicated in the early rounds. According to the tournament draw, Alcaraz will avoid facing other top seeds like Italy’s Jannik Sinner and seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic until at least the semifinals. That gives him a good chance to settle into the tournament before facing tougher opponents.

Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner, the world number one and top seed in the men’s draw, also began his campaign on Day 1. Like Alcaraz, Sinner has had an impressive season so far and enters Wimbledon with high expectations. Novak Djokovic, returning from knee surgery, is expected to play his first match on Tuesday. While his current fitness is still a topic of discussion, the Serbian legend remains a serious threat and is chasing his 25th Grand Slam title.

The opening day also featured several other first-round matches in both the men’s and women’s draws. Fans are already turning out in large numbers at the All England Club to watch the world’s best players compete on the sport’s most famous grass courts.

Wimbledon 2025 Offers Historic Prize Money and New Technology

Wimbledon 2025 isn’t just making headlines for its players. The tournament also features a record-breaking prize fund, with the total pool set at £53.5 million. That’s a 7.4% increase from last year and the highest in the event’s history.

Winners of the men’s and women’s singles titles will each receive £3 million—up from £2.75 million in 2024. This boost reflects the tournament’s continued effort to reward top performers equally, regardless of gender.

But the increased payouts don’t stop at the top. Players who exit in the early rounds will also benefit:

• First-round singles players will earn £66,000

• Second-round players will receive £99,000

• Third-round participants get £152,000

• Quarter-finalists will take home £400,000

• Semi-finalists will earn £775,000

Organisers say the increases aim to support players across the rankings, especially those who rely on early-round prize money to cover travel and training costs.

This year’s tournament also introduces a major change in technology. For the first time in Wimbledon history, line judges have been replaced by electronic line-calling systems across all courts. The move, which aligns with similar changes at the US Open and Australian Open, is intended to reduce human error and speed up match play.

While some traditionalists have raised concerns about removing human line judges, tournament officials insist the shift is part of the sport’s evolution. The decision reflects a growing trend in tennis to blend tradition with innovation.

With high-level competition, increased rewards, and technological upgrades, Wimbledon 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions in recent years.

Source(Image / Thumbnail): news18.com