A Grand Slam Partnership

Tennis is all about precision and timing. One split second too early or too late, and you’re out of the point. It’s a game of milliseconds, and it’s that attention to detail that makes the game so captivating and at times so frustrating. And what better symbol of precision and excellence than the iconic brand of Rolex? From the grass courts of Wimbledon to the red clay of Roland Garros, the Swiss luxury watchmaker has been a staple at the biggest stages in tennis, including the Australian Open which sets the scene for the season ahead.

The relationship between Rolex and tennis dates back to the late 1970s when the watchmaker began supporting the most prestigious tennis tournaments along with the best players. In 1978, Rolex was chosen as the Official Timekeeper of Wimbledon, the prestigious tournament that is played on grass in England every summer. This marked the beginning of Rolex’s long-standing relationship with the world of tennis, and the same year, Chris Evert became the first female tennis player to become a testimonee of the brand.

Today, Rolex is associated with all four Grand Slam tournaments, including the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open, as well as two major team tournaments, the Davis Cup and the Laver Cup. In addition to these, Rolex also sponsors other important competitions, including the Rolex Shanghai Masters, Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, Nitto ATP Finals, and the Rolex Paris Masters, among others.

Rolex’s association with tennis has also been marked by its association with some of the sport’s greatest athletes. Names of Rolex testimonees are engraved on many coveted trophies of the various competitions, including five-time Wimbledon winner Bjorn Borg, Rod Laver, and Swiss champion Roger Federer, the first player to have won 20 men’s singles titles in Grand Slam tournaments.

And this partnership has seen some of the sport’s biggest moments and most memorable matches. Take for example, the epic 2008 Wimbledon final between Federer and Rafael Nadal. As the two tennis greats battled it out on Centre Court, the entire world was watching with bated breath. And while Federer ultimately came out on top, it was the match itself that will go down in history as one of the greatest tennis matches of all time.

Rolex’s partnership with the various Grand Slam tournaments is characterised by its association with specific models of its watches. For instance, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm is often associated with the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. This steel model of the crowned house represents the quintessence of Rolex as it combines timeless aesthetics and precision, making it a perfect representation of the spirit of the Australian Open, which marks the beginning of a new tennis season.

Another Grand Slam tournament that Rolex is associated with is Roland-Garros, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. The partnership between Rolex and Roland-Garros began in 2019, and the watch often associated with the tournament is the Rolex GMT Master II. The Oystersteel and Everose gold model with an Oyster bracelet is designed to indicate two time zones simultaneously and has exceptional performance, making it the perfect watch for the clay courts of Roland-Garros.

Wimbledon, where the history between Rolex and tennis began, has a special relationship with the watchmaker. The Rolex Datejust “Wimbledon dial,” the watch often associated with Wimbeldon, has been specifically designed to commemorate the association between Rolex and Wimbledon. The Datejust “Wimbledon dial” is characterised by its green dial and is only available in 18K yellow gold or stainless steel.

As the famous tennis player Arthur Ashe once said, “Success is a journey, not a destination.” And with its precision, style, and class, Rolex has been along for the ride every step of the way. So the next time you see a Rolex on the wrist of a tennis star, just remember that it’s more than just a watch, it’s a symbol of excellence and a testament to the hard work and determination required to achieve greatness in the world of tennis.