Tim Henman has backed the All England Club's decision to increase prize money at the Wimbledon Championships.
Former British number one throws support behind extra prize money
Tim Henman has backed the All England Club's decision to increase prize money at the Wimbledon Championships.
The Briton, a four-time Wimbedon semi-finalist, is a member of the All England Club and travelled with chairman Philip Brook to meet with the sport's big names last month to discuss the issue.
Many of them feel they are not adequately rewarded for their part in the success of grand slams in particular, while the players also sought increased prize money for those knocked out in the early rounds.
As a result total prize money for the 2012 Championships will be £16.1million, up from £14.6million 12 months ago and more than 42% higher than in 2007.
"Not so long ago I was a player and I'm sure I was asking for the same thing," said Henman.
"The percentage increase in prize money over the last five years has been very substantial considering there is a recession at the moment. Wimbledon is very generous compared to a lot of other tournaments and I think this is a good deal all round.
Players who go out in the first round of the men's or ladies' singles will earn £14,500, up 26% from last year, while the winners will receive £1.15million, an increase of 4.5%.
Henman said: "We have been discussing it for quite some time. The total increase is a reward for how good the game is right now.
"Prize money has really been targeted towards the right-hand side of the draw in the past but it's important everyone has the opportunity to earn a living and we want to make sure the lower-ranked players don't get forgotten."
