Wimbledon 2026 Opens After Players End Media Protest

Wimbledon 2026 began on June 29 with players ending their planned limits on post-match media appearances after constructive meetings with the All England Club over the weekend. The protest, which had restricted appearances to 15 minutes before the tournament and after first-week matches, is now over.

Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Club, said she was pleased with the players’ decision and that the Club can now focus on the championships.

AP News reported that Wimbledon announced a 20% increase in total prize money for 2026, though the underlying issues regarding prize money and player welfare remain unresolved. Rafael Jodar defeated Felix Gill 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in the first round on Court 3. Jessica Pegula defeated Darja Vidmanova 7-5, 6-3 in the first round on No 2 Court.

J Brooksby defeated A Vukic 7-6(7), 6-1, 6-1 and S Mochizuki defeated M Basing 6-3, 6-0, 6-0 in men’s singles first-round matches. Belinda Bencic defeated Mika Stojsavljevic 6-2, 6-1 on Court 18. I Jovic defeated J Cristian 7-6(1), 6-0 in women’s singles.

Several players retired or withdrew, including Luca van Assche, Denis Shapovalov and Emma Raducanu. Jannik Sinner was scheduled to defend his title against Miomir Kecmanovic on Centre Court starting at 1:30 pm BST. Aryna Sabalenka was set to face Teodora Kostovic and Y Wu was to play Novak Djokovic, also on Centre Court.

With 10,000 people waiting, according to Sally Bolton, who attributed the longer line to the availability of Lime Bikes.