Wimbledon chiefs have increased the total prize money on offer at the grass-court tournament to 16.1 million pounds ($26 million) in a bid to satisfy calls for a fairer distribution of the wealth at grand slams.

There has been growing unrest among players that too much of the prize money on offer at the four majors went to the top stars, who routinely reach the lucrative later stages, at the expense of the lower ranked competitors.

Late last year there were suggestions the issue could even prompt strike action which would threaten the stability of the sport.