The prize money on offer at Wimbledon this year will increase by 40 per cent to £22.6 million (€26,492,285). The £6.5 million (€7,619,462) rise compared to 2012 is "the largest single increase ever in tennis history," Wimbledon chairman Phil Brook said at a press conference in the All England Club today.

The men’s and women’s singles champions will receive £1.6 million (€1,875,560) each, or an increase of 39 per cent on last year. Losers in the first three rounds of the main draw will get up to 64 per cent more prize money, while players in the qualifying tournament will be paid 41 percent more.

"We operate in a global event in a global sport, and we need to be competitive," Wimbledon Chief Executive Richard Lewis said today. "This magnitude of increases will not increase ticket prices," admitted Phil Brook.

There was also confirmation that Wimbledon authorities plan to install a retractable roof over Court 1 by 2019.