Rolex and The Championships, Wimbledon

Rolex first partnered with The Championships, Wimbledon, in 1978. The world’s oldest tennis tournament is the temple of lawn tennis and the original game. It is here that athletes become legends.

Published on June 24, 2024

Wimbledon, the most prestigious tennis competition, is celebrated for its rich history and enduring significance. Held on the iconic green grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in London, Wimbledon has been the nucleus of the sport since its inception in 1877. For over four decades, Rolex has served as the official timekeeper of this annual event, establishing a partnership that has notably expanded the brand’s global presence in tennis.

In 2024, the Wimbledon Championships were held for the second time under the reign of King Charles III. Today, the Rolex Crown is a familiar sight at all four Grand Slam tournaments, including the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, and the U.S. Open. With nearly 45 years of dedication to the sport of tennis, Rolex has cemented its status as a distinguished and integral part of the sport.

Within tennis circles, a generational upset has been predicted for some time, but this year, a new game is afoot. The 21-year-old Spanish notable and Rolex Testimonee Carlos Alcaraz has continuously surpassed expectations, winning match after match and climbing to no. 3 in the world ranking. A new tennis superstar has emerged, and Rolex is auspiciously right beside him. Wimbledon 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling tournaments in years.

Rolex is the Official Timekeeper and one of the major partners of all the leading tournaments. The story began at The Championships, Wimbledon, in 1978 when the brand first became involved with a sport that was capturing the world's attention like never before. The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in southwest London has hosted The Championships since the inaugural edition in 1877. Wimbledon, the world's oldest tennis tournament, is the sport's home and grass-court temple.

A temple of tennis tradition

Above the players’ entrance to Centre Court, which seats 15,000 spectators, lines from the poem If by Rudyard Kipling read:

“If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two impostors just the same”

This verse encapsulates the event's philosophy because, at Wimbledon, the greatness of the sport lies not in victory but in the humility and perseverance of the champions.

Rolex and The Championships, Wimbledon - Wimbledon 2023

The scene of major showdowns

The intensity of the Wimbledon finals on Centre Court ensures that they live on in memory as extraordinary moments in tennis history. Epic battles between the likes of Rod Laver and John Newcombe, Björn Borg and John McEnroe, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have been written into the legend of Wimbledon and in the annals of world tennis.

Rolex and The Championships, Wimbledon - Roger Federer

Rolex and tennis: a partnership of almost 50 years

Rolex has enjoyed a special relationship with tennis deeply rooted in a common philosophy: the continuous pursuit of excellence, a desire for precision and innovation, the elegance of movement, unwavering effort, respect for tradition, and a drive to push beyond personal limits. Over the years, Rolex has extended its involvement in the sport, becoming the Premium Partner of World Tennis in both the men's and women's games.

The brand supports most major competitions, including all four Grand Slam® tournaments, players-ending ATP and WTA Finals, the high-status ATP Masters and WTA 1000 tournaments, premier international team contests, the Davis Cup Finals, and the Laver Cup.

Rolex Testimonees and Wimbledon

Among its Testimonees, Rolex counts a host of Wimbledon champions, including tennis legends Björn Borg and Chris Evert, Stefan Edberg, Garbiñe Muguruza, Angelique Kerber, Roger Federer — who won the men's singles crown a record eight times — and rising star Carlos Alcaraz.

Today's leading lights, including Rolex family members Iga Świątek, Jannik Sinner, and Coco Gauff, aim to join these greats on the list of winners at this revered tournament.

Rolex and The Championships, Wimbledon - Rolex Testimonees and Wimbledon

Rolex and sport

For decades, Rolex has championed culture, architecture, exploration, and environmental conservation. In the sporting world, it has built a diverse range of partnerships across tennis, golf, equestrianism, skiing, sailing, and motorsport. Rolex partners with governing bodies, competitions, and athletes — from established champions to promising talents — in longstanding engagements that perpetuate the future of these disciplines and promote excellence.

The unique atmosphere at Wimbledon exudes a distinct charm and bestows an ambiance that captivates players and spectators with its smaller courts, reminiscent of the early days of tennis. The grass is meticulously manicured, resulting in a unique texture that feels soft underfoot, leading to surprising and challenging play. Against the lush green backdrop, the crisp white lines delineate the boundaries, which endure as the grass gradually wears down throughout the week. The game of tennis in 2024 has proven to be exhilarating and unpredictable.

With new talent emerging and taking the spotlight, the excitement for the game is higher than ever. As a custodian of tennis's past and future, Rolex solidifies its position as an essential partner of the tennis community. Outstanding players like Alcaraz, Gauff, Sinner, and Świątek at Wimbledon demonstrate that interest and excitement are reaching ever-greater heights as new names emerge.

Rolex, always attuned to the evolving narratives and achievements in the sport, continues to capture and celebrate these moments.