German tennis star Alexander Zverev, ranked World No. 3, and his fellow countrymen face a potential financial sting at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships due to a complex tax situation, as highlighted by tax expert Viktor Gottschlich of Blick Rothenberg in a June 24, 2025, *Express.co.uk* report. As they compete at the All England Club starting June 30, German players could be hit with dual tax obligations from both UK and German authorities, significantly reducing their prize money earnings in what Gottschlich described as a “harsh twist.”
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.” Wimbledon’s 2025 prize fund, up 15% from last year, offers £66,000 for a first-round loss and £2.7 million for the singles champion. However, international players must file UK income tax returns on these earnings. For Germans, including Zverev, who resides in Monaco, German tax laws may still apply due to nationality, not just residency. “Even if a player lives abroad, German tax authorities may still demand a share,” Gottschlich noted, creating a double taxation risk.
Zverev, a 24-time ATP title winner and 2020 Olympic gold medalist, enters Wimbledon as Germany’s top contender but faces on-court challenges alongside this financial burden. His grass-court season has been uneven, with a final loss to Taylor Fritz (6-3, 7-6(7-0)) at the Stuttgart Open on June 15, 2025, marking his fifth straight defeat to the American. In Halle, he fell to Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals (6-4, 6-3). A knee injury from Wimbledon 2024, which hampered his fourth-round match against Fritz, adds uncertainty. Despite never advancing beyond the fourth round at SW19, Zverev remains upbeat, humorously declaring in Stuttgart, “I’ll win Wimbledon, don’t worry,” as captured in an X post by @TennisFanDE.
The tax issue could impact other German players, though Zverev’s high profile and potential for a deep run—possibly earning £720,000 for a semifinal—make him particularly vulnerable. His 2025 season, boasting a 25-9 record, a Munich title, and an Australian Open final, underscores his competitive form, but the tax burden adds off-court pressure. Gottschlich advised players to seek expert tax advice to navigate the “complex process” and avoid penalties.
As Zverev aims to break his Grand Slam drought and join German legend Boris Becker as a Wimbledon champion, the financial implications loom large. Balancing his physical recovery, grass-court challenges, and this unexpected tax hurdle will test his focus in pursuit of Wimbledon glory.
