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Wimbledon 2025: João Fonseca and Bia Haddad advance, eyeing massive prizes

João Fonseca
Foto: João Fonseca - Foto: A.RICARDO / Shutterstock.com

Brazilian tennis players João Fonseca and Bia Haddad kicked off their Wimbledon 2025 campaign with impressive first-round victories, securing nearly $1 million in combined prize money. Held at the All England Club in London, the grass-court tournament is distributing a record £53.5 million (approximately $401 million) in 2025, a 7% increase from 2024. On Monday, June 30, Fonseca defeated British player Jacob Fearnley 3-0, while Haddad overcame Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova 2-0. Each earned £66,000 ($495,600) for their debut. Advancing to the second round could boost their earnings to £99,000 ($741,000) each, totaling nearly $1.5 million. The event, running until July 13, showcases Brazil’s potential on one of tennis’s grandest stages.

The Brazilians’ journey at Wimbledon reflects the rising prominence of Brazilian tennis in elite competitions. At just 18, João Fonseca is a rising star, while Bia Haddad, already established, aims to solidify her place among the world’s best. Their first-round wins bolster confidence for the next phase, set for Wednesday, July 2.

Beyond their on-court success, the tournament stands out for its substantial prize money. Key highlights from the first round include:

  • João Fonseca defeated Jacob Fearnley in straight sets (6-3, 6-4, 6-2).
  • Bia Haddad beat Rebecca Sramkova with scores of 6-4 and 6-3.
  • Each first-round win earned £66,000, about $495,600 at current exchange rates.
  • The second round could increase their earnings to £99,000 per player.

The Brazilian performances mark a milestone in a tournament blending tradition and innovation, such as the adoption of electronic line-calling technology in 2025, replacing line judges.

Record prize money at Wimbledon
Wimbledon 2025 has set a new financial benchmark, offering £53.5 million in total prize money, equivalent to $401 million. This amount, 7% higher than in 2024, is distributed across singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and wheelchair categories. Singles champions, both male and female, will receive £3 million ($22.45 million), an 11.1% increase from the £2.7 million awarded to Carlos Alcaraz and Barbora Krejčíková in 2024.

The prize structure benefits players at all stages, particularly in the early rounds. Those eliminated in the first round of the main draw receive £66,000 ($495,600), while second-round qualifiers earn £99,000 ($741,000). Prize money escalates significantly, with quarterfinalists earning £400,000 ($2.99 million) and semifinalists £775,000 ($5.8 million).

The increase reflects the All England Club’s response to players’ demands for a fairer share of Grand Slam profits. According to the organizers, ongoing dialogue with athletes helped shape the prize adjustments, ensuring financial support even for early-round competitors.

Second-round challenges
In the next round, João Fonseca faces American Jenson Brooksby, ranked 101st by the ATP. Despite the ranking gap—Fonseca is 54th—Brooksby’s resilience on fast courts could make the match competitive. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, with the time yet to be confirmed, and will test the young Brazilian’s potential for a deep Grand Slam run.

Bia Haddad takes on Hungary’s Dalma Gálfi, ranked 110th by the WTA. As the world’s 20th-ranked player with a recent doubles title in Nottingham, Haddad is the favorite but must stay consistent on a surface demanding adaptation. Her experience in high-level tournaments, including a Roland Garros quarterfinal, could prove decisive.

Both Brazilians are favored by betting odds, but tennis is unpredictable, and grass courts require precision and strategy.

Prize money breakdown by round
Wimbledon’s prize money is progressive, encouraging competitiveness across all rounds. Below are the values for the main singles draw:

  • First round: £66,000 ($495,600)
  • Second round: £99,000 ($741,000)
  • Third round: £152,000 ($1.14 million)
  • Round of 16: £240,000 ($1.8 million)
  • Quarterfinals: £400,000 ($2.99 million)
  • Semifinals: £775,000 ($5.8 million)
  • Runner-up: £1.25 million ($9.35 million)
  • Champion: £3 million ($22.45 million)

In the qualifiers, prizes are also attractive, with £15,600 ($116,700) for the first round and £41,500 ($310,600) for the third. These amounts support players early in their careers or with lower rankings.

Brazilian history at Wimbledon
Brazil’s history at Wimbledon is modest but growing. Gustavo Kuerten, a three-time Roland Garros champion, never advanced beyond the third round on grass. However, Maria Esther Bueno shone in the 1960s, winning three singles titles (1959, 1960, and 1964). More recently, Bruno Soares and Marcelo Melo excelled in doubles, with Melo reaching the semifinals in 2017.

Bia Haddad is Brazil’s leading female player in recent years, with consistent Grand Slam performances. João Fonseca represents the new generation, following in the footsteps of Thiago Seyboth Wild, who has achieved notable results in smaller tournaments. Their 2025 performances could mark a new chapter for Brazilian tennis.

Innovations in the 2025 tournament
Wimbledon 2025 introduced significant changes. For the first time, the tournament eliminated line judges, adopting electronic line-calling technology (Hawk-Eye Live) across all courts. Over 400 cameras ensure decision accuracy, ending a 147-year tradition.

Another change is the scheduling of finals at 4 p.m. local time instead of 2 p.m., aiming to boost viewership in the Americas. The 11 p.m. curfew remains, protecting local residents from late-night disruptions, even with the Centre Court’s retractable roof.

Focus on grass and adaptation
Grass courts demand a unique playing style, with powerful serves and quick movement. Bia Haddad’s aggressive game suits the surface, while Fonseca’s precise volleys shone in his debut. Transitioning from Roland Garros clay to grass is challenging, but both showed preparation in recent weeks.

The Brazilian campaign also gained momentum in preparatory tournaments. Haddad won in Nottingham, while Fonseca competed in Eastbourne, building rhythm for Wimbledon. These results highlight their competitiveness in a circuit dominated by stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff.

Impressive numbers
Wimbledon’s financial impact extends beyond prizes. The tournament generates an estimated £289 million annually from sponsorships, tickets, and broadcasting rights. The absence of on-court advertisements, maintaining the “clean court philosophy,” sets the event apart, with 90% of profits directed to the Lawn Tennis Association to support British tennis.

The Brazilians, with nearly $1 million secured, have surpassed the prize money of smaller tournaments like ATP 250 events. A second-round win could match earnings from quarterfinals in mid-tier competitions.

Next steps for the Brazilians
The second-round matches on Wednesday are pivotal. Fonseca faces an opponent returning from injury, while Haddad has the chance to exploit Gálfi’s limited experience on big stages. Victories could propel Brazil to the third round, with prizes of £152,000 ($1.14 million) per player.

Brazilian fans are watching closely, especially after Haddad’s doubles success and Fonseca’s meteoric rise. Wimbledon, with its tradition and prestige, is a showcase for national talent.

Tournament trivia
Wimbledon is renowned for unique details that make it special:

  • Founded in 1877, it is the world’s oldest tennis tournament.
  • The Centre Court, seating 14,979, celebrated its centenary in 2022.
  • Green and purple are the event’s signature colors.
  • Players must wear predominantly white attire, a rule since the 19th century.

These elements reinforce Wimbledon’s mystique, blending history and modernity in 2025.