Wimbledon 2026 features record prize money and early exits for Polish qualifiers

The 139th Wimbledon Championships in 2026 will offer a 20% increase in prize money, reaching £64.2 million, with singles champions slated to collect £3.6 million each. Organisers highlighted the return of Serena Williams on a wild card and announced that it will be Stan Wawrinka’s final appearance on the grass courts before his planned retirement.

Top men’s players Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune and Lorenzo Musetti are withdrawn with injuries, leaving Jannik Sinner as the favourite, followed by Alexander Zverev. In the women’s draw, Aryna Sabalenka is the top seed, with other contenders including Coco Gauff and Mirra Andreeva.

Polish representatives faced tough hurdles. Wild‑card Maja Chwalińska was seeded 20th in the main draw, while qualifier Linda Klimovicova lost a two‑hour match to ninth‑seeded Lulu Sun, 7‑6(3), 7‑5, ending her hopes of reaching the main tournament.