German tennis players, led by World No. 3 Alexander Zverev, have been warned of significant tax implications on their Wimbledon 2025 prize money, creating a financial hurdle as they compete at the All England Club starting June 30. According to tax expert Viktor Gottschlich of Blick Rothenberg, German players, including Zverev, could face a dual tax burden from both UK and German authorities, potentially reducing their earnings substantially. This issue, reported by *Express.co.uk* on June 24, 2025, highlights a harsh twist for Zverev and his compatriots as they chase Wimbledon glory.
Gottschlich explained, “Alexander Zverev may have the best prospects of all German players to win big at Wimbledon, but he and other German players could be in for a large tax bill from HMRC and the German authorities on their prize winnings.” Even a first-round loss at Wimbledon yields £66,000, but international players, including Germans, must file a UK income tax return on these earnings. For German residents, additional German income tax applies. Notably, Zverev, who resides in Monaco, may still be subject to German tax due to his nationality, as German tax laws can extend beyond residency, creating a complex financial landscape.
Zverev, a 24-time ATP title winner and 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, enters Wimbledon as Germany’s top hope despite recent grass-court setbacks. He reached the Stuttgart Open final but lost to Taylor Fritz 6-3, 7-6(7-0) on June 15, 2025, marking his fifth consecutive defeat to the American. At the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle, he fell to Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals, 6-4, 6-3. These losses, coupled with a knee injury sustained at Wimbledon 2024 that hindered his fourth-round match against Fritz, underscore the challenges he faces. Zverev, who has never advanced beyond the fourth round at Wimbledon, remains optimistic, jokingly declaring in Stuttgart, “I’ll win Wimbledon, don’t worry,” to a supportive fan.
The tax warning adds pressure to Zverev’s campaign, where a deep run could yield significant prize money but also a hefty tax bill. Wimbledon’s 2025 prize fund has increased by 15% from last year, with the men’s and women’s singles champions earning £2.7 million each. A semifinal appearance, which Zverev has yet to achieve at SW19, would net £720,000, subject to both UK and German taxes. Gottschlich noted, “Even if a player lives abroad, German tax authorities may still demand a share,” complicating financial planning for players like Zverev.
Despite these off-court challenges, Zverev’s 25-9 record in 2025, including a Munich title and an Australian Open final, positions him as a contender. However, his grass-court struggles and the looming tax burden could test his focus as he aims to break his Grand Slam drought at Wimbledon.
