TENNIS umpires arguably have the most important jobs in the sport.
Their job is to act as a referee during tennis matches and can decide key moments and points with their decisions.
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They can often clash with some of the biggest tennis stars in the world over their calls.
But they’re their to be respected and falling out of favour with an umpire can land a player in hot water.
Umpires sit in a high chair on the side of the tennis court right in front of one of the net posts.
There isn’t a set salary for tennis umpires as their pay depends on numerous variables.
First it depends on their experience and grading as an umpire. To reach the top level you have to pass a Level 3 certification.
And once you have your Level 3 honours, you then work your way up from a bronze badge to a gold badge with annual reviews carried out by the ATP, ITF and WTA.
Pay also depends on the type of competition. Umpires naturally receive a higher salary when they’re working a Grand Slam.
Hundreds of tournaments take place every year but the most attention goes to the four major Grand Slams.
There are higher attendances, greater viewing figures, higher sponsorship fees and the players are getting paid top dollar too.
At a Grand Slam like Wimbledon, male umpires will receive around £5,000 per match, according to Essentially Sports.
Female umpires receive around £1,500 per match.
For non-Grand Slam events, male umpires are paid around £1500 per match while female refs review half of that.
