Wimbledon champ Hewitt has recently lost his number one status

Lleyton Hewitt will receive �50,000 more than last year if he successfully defends his Wimbledon title in June.

The championships have increased prize money by 9.5% for the forthcoming tournament.

The men's singles champion will receive �575,000, while the women's champion will take home �535,000.

Serena Williams earned �486,000 for her win over sister Venus in the 2002 final.

Prize money for the other events will remain the same, with a total purse of �9.37m.

Tournament chairman Tim Phillips said: "Leading athletes in top spectator sports such as tennis are rightly well rewarded for their outstanding talent and the entertainment they bring us.

"To reflect market forces, Wimbledon this year is paying a substantial increase to singles competitors while holding doubles prize money at last year's level."

First round losers in the men's singles will take home �8,630 - up by �750 on last year.

Women exiting at the first-round stage will earn �6,900 - an increase of �600.