BBC Wimbledon presenter Clare Balding has sensationally suggested that reigning men's champion Jannik Sinner ought to have handed over part of his prize money to Grigor Dimitrov. Sinner claimed his maiden SW19 title last year, collecting £3 million for the victory.
Dimitrov's Injury Paved Sinner's Path
Sinner bested Carlos Alcaraz in the final 12 months ago to exact revenge for a crushing French Open loss to the same rival. Yet his path to the final may never have materialised without a fortunate twist earlier in the competition. In the last 16, Sinner trailed Grigor Dimitrov by two sets to love, with the Bulgarian playing the tennis of his life and poised to inflict a shock early exit on the now-world No. 1.
However, at 2-2 in the third set, Dimitrov collapsed to the ground clutching his pectoral muscle and was forced to withdraw. He departed Wimbledon in tears, with subsequent confirmation revealing the Bulgarian had ruptured that pectoral muscle and would face an extended spell on the sidelines. Sinner progressed and eventually secured the trophy.
Dimitrov's Emotional Return
Nearly 12 months on, Dimitrov enjoyed a significant moment back on the very same stage. On Thursday evening, having received a wildcard following months away from action, Dimitrov produced a stunning victory over 15th seed Jakub Mensik on Court 1 to advance to the third round. A crowd favourite, with spectators clearly recalling last year's dreadful incident, Dimitrov had every winner cheered enthusiastically by those present. The roof nearly lifted when the 35-year-old sealed his 7-6(5) 4-6 7-5 6-3 triumph and secured his place in the next round against Matteo Berrettini. It was hard not to feel emotional about the moment and that included Dimitrov, who needed to pause his on-court interview to gather himself.
Balding's Call for Sinner to Share Prize Money
Speaking after the Bulgarian star departed the court, Balding likewise praised his return, and suggested that he played a crucial role in Sinner's title success - so much so that the champion ought to have shared some of his prize money. "Sinner should have given him a percentage," Balding said on the BBC after Dimitrov's match. Sinner collected £3 million last year for claiming the top prize and even a portion of that would represent a substantial amount of prize money.
Though this year, players are pushing for a larger share of the Grand Slam revenue. Sinner is spearheading the discussion, with a group of players calling for 22 per cent of the money received across the Major. The figure in 2026 had been raised to 14.4 per cent.
