Wimbledon raises prize money to 1.88 million pounds for singles winners

In a bid to maintain the competition's status as the highest-paying in tennis, Wimbledon has raised the cash prize for the 2015 singles winners to 1.88 million pounds-an increase of 120, 000 pounds over last year.

The All England Club also increased the prestigious tournament's overall prize money to 26.75 million pounds, which is a seven percent increase over the prior year.

Reflecting on the development, All England Lawn Tennis Club chairman Philip Brook said that they recognise the players are an essential ingredient of their championships, adding that the level of prize money is affordable to the championship, the BBC reported.

Brook added that they felt it was important they should reflect that in what they pay the players.

Novak Djokovic and Petra Kvitova will begin their title defence campaign from 29 June.