'Disgusted' Wimbledon star explodes over 'unfair' locker room rules and prize money

Maxime Janvier has expressed his disappointment at the division between players on display at Wimbledon and an unfair spread of prize money. The Frenchman made his debut in the main draw of SW19 this week but has been left disillusioned by the experience.

After two previous exits from the qualifying draw of the third Grand Slam of the season, tennis talent Janvier finally made the cut for the main stage this year. However, he failed to progress any further after losing to Zhizhen Zhang in straight sets on Monday.

It was nonetheless enough to collect the £60,000 prize money singles players bank just for reaching the first round. That's still considered a fortune and very welcome for a middling contender like world No225 Janvier - but there were other signs of inequity apparent.

"We are not all treated the same here. I learned, for example, that there are two locker rooms: one for the seeds and one for the others. I don't know why; I'm discovering things," he told reporters. "Is it me who is different? I don't know, but that's what disgusted me."

"I don't know why I would be a rebel; I'm just stating things." Janvier went on to question the allocation of wildcards, points and even prize money at SW19, adding: ""Why do I focus on money? Because it's what's left. There is no stability. The system is very tough."

The allocation of wild cards, points, and even prize money, everything is there. Why am I on the money? Because that's what's left. Mark Lajal [world No269], if he beats [Carlos] Alcaraz, he will have only taken 45 points. He will have to win back a lot. There is no stability. The system is very tough."

The Challenger Tour regular expressed his "disappointment" after losing 6-7(4), 3-6, 2-6 to Zhang, noting he hadn't managed to add any money to his coffers as a result. The 6'5" star has said he hopes to one day taste some of the "financial jackpot" on offer to the top players, but some of his comments suggest the appetite to continue chasing that dream may be waning.

Janvier, 27, made headlines in his native France when he was heard shouting "For the money!" after winning his second qualifying match at SW19. He followed up by screaming "The house! The house!" (a reference to his beefed-up winnings) when he qualified for the main draw.

The relief was evident for a player who has struggled to crack into tennis' upper echelon, with three first-round exits at the French Open serving as his only other Grand Slam experience. In the wake of his Wimbledon breakthrough, Janvier - who reached a career-high 170th in the world in 2019 - gave a disparaged view of life on the tour and whether he would have pursued his visions had he known the realities.

"I wish people would warn children about this. You need rich parents or people who help you if you don't have them, such as sponsors," he added. "People need to know we're not all Nadal, Djokovic or Medvedev. That's not reality. It's five, maybe eight or ten players."

With any luck, his first taste of Wimbledon's main draw will serve as a springboard to more regular appearances on the major circuit. If nothing else, his outspoken and flamboyant displays at SW19 have helped put him on the radar of fans who might otherwise be unaware of his talents.

That being said, Janvier has said he will give himself until the age of 30 before he considers hanging up his racket for good.

"If in three years I'm ranked 400th in the world, I'll give myself three months to climb back up; otherwise I'll quit," he told L'Équipe. "When I can no longer do this, I'll say goodbye without regret and tell young players: 'Good luck!'"