‘I won Wimbledon and my reward was a £15 voucher – it cost me more to get there’

Wimbledon has become one of the most lucrative sports tournaments in the world, with last year’s winners across both the men’s and women’s singles events taking home close to £3million. The Championships, alongside the Australian, French and US Opens, make up part of tennis’ quartet of coveted Grand Slams.

First held all the way back in 1877, it’s safe to say Wimbledon has seen a fair few changes in its time. It originally began life as a gentleman’s only competition before a ladies’ edition was added later in the 19th century, with Wimbledon in its current guise one of the most-loved and well-respected events on the British sporting calendar.

And it’s only with time the prize for taking home the Championship title has changed too, with one former winner having revealed he’d paid more to get to the tournament than he received for winning it.

During a 2023 interview with The Daily Mail, Neale Fraser admitted his reward for winning Wimbledon was a £15 voucher to be used at Lilywhite’s sports emporium – a sports shop in central London. A handy outcome, considering £15 was worth close to £300 back then – but little consolation to Fraser, considering he’d travelled all the way from Australia to compete.

Fraser is said to have visited the shop the day after lifting the Wimbledon title, only to be left disappointed when he realised it was closed for the day. As such, he left London in deficit after winning one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments and having spent £17 on travel during his time in the capital.

Fraser passed away in December 2024 aged 91 and was fondly remembered for his contributions to Australian tennis. The Aussie delighted both as a player and captain of his nation’s Davis Cup team, where he helped guide them to a sensational four victories on the international scene.

Commenting after his death, fellow tennis icon Rod Laver said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear mate and fellow lefty, Neale Fraser. He was a true gem in a golden era of Australian tennis legends – an incredible World No.1, a Grand Slam champion, and a Davis Cup icon.

“Neale bested me in 2 major finals, pushing me to become a better player. My heartfelt condolences go out to Thea and Neale’s extended family. I’ll miss you dearly, buddy. Rest in peace.”