Iga Świątek Hits Record Tax on £3 Million Wimbledon Prize in 2025—Here’s Why It’s Sparking Debate

Iga Świątek will reportedly lose over £1 million of her £3 million Wimbledon 2025 prize to UK taxes.

Iga Świątek’s sensational 6‑0, 6‑0 win at Wimbledon 2025 has not only made history—it’s also sparked a financial stir. The Polish ace pocketed a staggering £3 million for her dominant performance. But the tax man is taking its share, and recent reports confirm that she now faces a record-breaking tax bill in the UK. This unexpected twist has kicked off a global conversation about how elite athletes are taxed for prize money earned abroad.

A Whitewash That Earned Millions

Sunday’s final on Centre Court will be remembered for Świątek’s flawless victory, marking the first women’s whitewash at Wimbledon in over a century. As headlines highlighted her 114-year‑old feat, few stopped to consider what the headline figure meant net of taxes. The prize pot for 2025 was a record £53.55 million, with champions on both men’s and women’s sides taking home £3 million each. But in the UK, athletes are liable for significant income tax on prizes won on British soil. So Świątek’s big payday will likely be taxed at approximately 45%, reducing her take-home to around £1.65 million—a financial hit that’s caught many by surprise.

Why the UK Tax Charges Are So High

The UK treats prize money from sporting events held within its borders as taxable earnings. This means champions like Świątek must file UK tax returns and pay at the country’s top rates—40% on income up to £150,000, and 45% on earnings beyond that. In total, around £1.35 million could go straight to HM Revenue & Customs. When you add National Insurance and relief mechanics into the mix, the real net haul drops significantly. For a global superstar like Świątek, who splits time between Poland and Monaco, the tax implications for a Wimbledon win have turned this sporting triumph into a financial conversation.

Comparing Tax Rules Around the Slam

The Wimbledon tax scenario stands in stark contrast to rules in other Grand Slam locales. In France, prize money is tax-free for foreign athletes not resident in the country. Australia also exempts non-resident players from paying tax on Grand Slam earnings. At the US Open, foreign players generally face a 30% federal withholding, although this can be reduced depending on tax treaties. That makes Wimbledon’s 45% hit the steepest—sparking a debate about whether the UK should offer relief to visiting athletes.

What This Means for Świątek and Tour Athletes

Świątek’s financial takeaway this year may be sizable, but not as eye-popping as raw numbers suggest. Her post-tax prize might land at roughly $2 million USD, still significant—but far less than the headline figure. More broadly, this issue spotlights the misconception around athlete earnings. Tour pros often structure income through endorsements, appearance fees, and brand deals—all taxed differently. But when Wimbledon rolls around, prize money alone carries the full brunt of local taxation.

Some experts now call for tax diplomacy, arguing that such hefty deductions could deter high-profile athletes from attending or devalue the Slam’s attraction. They suggest Algeria-style rebate schemes or bilateral tax relief agreements to reduce revenue risk for visiting stars and keep the tournament globally competitive.

Beyond Wimbledon: A Career Under the Microscope

This story isn’t just about one tournament. Świątek has already won six Grand Slams—including four French Opens, a US Open, and now Wimbledon. Her on-court earnings exceed $40 million career-wide. But when filtered through tax systems in different host countries, net gains vary considerably. For example, her French Open wins carried less tax for non-residents than Wimbledon does. With more Slams on the horizon, understanding the global tax map is now crucial for top-ranked players.

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