Peace talks behind tightly closed doors at Wimbledon have resulted in a suspension of a top player media strike during the Championships.

A consulting firm representing players who are seeking a rise in prize money to at least 20 percent of tournament takings at the four Grand Slams, broke the news on Monday as opening day play got underway.

It cited “constructive meetings” with Wimbledon bosses over the weekend.

Leading players including world No. 1’s Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka limited their time during pre-event media to just 15 minutes – the same protest they staged five weeks ago at Roland Garros.

Wimbledon increased prize money by 20 percent for this edition, but the total is still less than what players are seeking.

Wimbledon officials were quick to spin the truce as a win-win.

“I think it’s great news that we and they can now just concentrate on the championships and on the tennis,” All England Club boss Sally Bolton said.
“We’ve had some really fruitful conversations over the weekend. They’ve been really positive.”

While the pause will last over the Wimbledon fortnight, the prize money issue still remains, with the player side saying “the underlying matters remain unresolved.”

While winning the French Open three weeks ago brings additional confidence heading into Wimbledon, life has really not changed much for new champion Alexander Zverev.

The 29-year-old German who was fast becoming known as the best player never to win a Grand Slam, solved that problem in Paris as he beat Flavio Cobolli in the five-set final.

For the player, life remains much the same after the biggest title of his career.

“People always think that once you win a Grand Slam, your life changes in a way. I kind of figured out it really doesn’t,” Zverev said during run-up to Monday’s Wimbledon start.

“I enjoy certain things outside the court. I will keep enjoying them, whether it’s going to play golf with my friends, whether it’s going to a kids club with my daughter. 

“Those things don’t really change that much.”

He added: “Of course there is some sort of satisfaction inside of me, and there is of course something that was fighting for my entire career.

“Outside of that, life doesn’t really change that much. You continue living your life. As you can see, two weeks later we’re at Wimbledon and we’re already preparing for the next Grand Slam.”

Despite his low-key demeanor after becoming a Grand Slam winner, Zverev is taking his first-round test against Belgian Alexander Blockx very seriously. 

“Wimbledon has always been the Grand Slam where I’ve struggled the most.

(But) I do feel different this year. I feel like I have a good preparation. I feel l’m playing good tennis at the moment. 

“I’m going to do everything I can to show that on the match court. That’s all that I have in my control, everything else will follow.”

Main photo:-Alexander Zverev (GER) with Coupe des Mousquetaires after beating
Flavio Cobilli (ITA) in five sets in French Open Men’s final – by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd

Home favourite Alexander Zverev will face one of his biggest tennis fears on Saturday as a 7-6 (10), 7-5 (2) defeat of Belgian Raphael Collingnon put him into a semi-final showdown with US nemesis Taylor Fritz at the ATP Halle event,

The German winner of Roland Garros less than a fortnight ago, has lost his last six meetings with the Californian who seems to have his number on court. Two of his losses have come at the Grand Slams and two at the Laver Cup competition.

“I had a tough time against him, especially last season when I was not playing so well,” Zverev said. “I was not in a good stage.

“But I’m playing much better this season. I hope to keep it that way.”

Fritz and Collignon scrapped for two hours on the grass, which is fast wearing down in summer 32 Celsius conditions.

In the day’s first two quarter-finals, there was not a single break of serve.

“It’s is difficult to break anyway on grass and the way we are all serving so big makes it that much tougher,” the six-tiem Halle semi-finalist and two-time runner-up said.

“The court is also damaged and that makes it tougher to break. These hot conditions favour the big servers.”

Zverev finished with 18 forehand winners as his Grand Slam champion’s confidence carries him into the June 29 start of Wimbledon.

He now leads the ATP with a 38-9 match record this season.

“It was a really, really high level from both of us,” he said of his quarter-final win over the Belgian ranked 51st.

“I’m happy I kept my nerve in the tiebreakers and got the straight-sets win.”

Zverev’s win was his 10th in a row and will play in the 86th semi-final of his career.