In 2009, a retractable roof costing around £100 million ($150 million/€120 million) was installed over Centre Court (pictured above) to prevent matches on the court being delayed due to the weather at the often rain-blighted Championships. 

It had been anticipated that a move would be made to conduct similar projects on other major courts, and this was today confirmed by the All England Club, who have said that the new roof will be available for use in time for the 2019 Championships.

It was also announced today that there will be a 40 per cent increase in prize money for this summer's Championships, providing the highest total pot in the history of professional tennis.

The new prize fund of £22.6 million (€26.5 million/$34.5 million) blitzes the previous figure- which was on offer at this year's Australian Open- of £20 million (€23 million/$30 million).

Reigning Wimbledon champion Roger Federer won both his semi-final and final under the roof on Centre Court last year

The winners of the men's and ladies' singles titles will receive £1.6 million ($2.4 million/€1.9 million) in prize money; an increase of £450,000 ($690,000/€530,000) from the amount won by Roger Federer - who defeated Andy Murray in the first Wimbledon final to be played under the Centre Court roof - and Serena Williams last year; a rise of 28 per cent.

However, players that do not progress beyond the initial stages will see the highest rise, with those going out in rounds one, two and three receiving a prize money boost of 60 per cent.

"I would like to thank all those whose contribution to Wimbledon's success both on and off court has today enabled us to announce these significant levels of investment in The Championships." said Philip Brook, Chairman of the All England Club and The Championships.

"For the players, it is a deep appreciation of the demanding nature of professional tennis and the top-quality entertainment they bring, while for The Championships it is about giving all our visitors the finest stage on which to enjoy Wimbledon."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
May 2009: Wimbledon unveils new roof