Players may boycott Wimbledon 2004

Wimbledon starts today with the threat of a players' boycott hanging over next year's championship.

Wimbledon starts today with the threat of a players' boycott hanging over next year's championship.

The dispute in the game has arisen in a bitter dispute over prize money.

The Association of Tennis Professionals have been having talks with organisers of the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open in a bid to get their players more prizemoney.

The game's leading players have warned that rival tournaments could be organised to clash with Wimbledon and other grand slam events.

READ MORE

American Todd Martin, president of the ATP's player council, said: "No-one wants to miss any events but we will take action.

"Wimbledon have told us what they will do with their money and that is what we disagree about. Hopefully, everything can be sorted out".

Total prize money for Wimbledon this year is £9,373,990 sterling, of which £4,666,370 goes to the men's singles and doubles events.

PA