Rolex & the US Open

The US Open is the final Grand Slam® tournament of the tennis season. As a privileged partner of the sport worldwide for almost 50 years, Rolex has been the event’s Official Timekeeper since 2018.

Published on August 19, 2024

As the final Grand Slam of the tennis season, the US Open captures the world's attention. Since 2018, Rolex has been at the heart of this iconic event, serving as its Official Timekeeper—a role that not only reflects the brand's nearly 50-year dedication to the sport but also its integral part in the US Open's rich history. Established in 1881, the US Open has become one of tennis's most prestigious tournaments. Since 1978, it has been hosted at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York. The event unfolds on hard courts known for their speed and demanding nature. At the center of it all stands Arthur Ashe Stadium, a grand arena with a seating capacity nearing 23,800, making it the largest tennis stadium in the sport worldwide.

Rolex & the US Open - Arthur Ashe Stadium

Rolex Testimonees and the US Open

This year's US Open is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with Rolex Testimonees like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Iga Świątek, and Coco Gauff leading the charge. As betting favorites, they embody the excellence that has become synonymous with Rolex and the US Open. Yet, the tournament's history of unpredictability ensures that anything can happen—and it often does. Other top Rolex ambassadors, including Stéfanos Tsitsipás, Taylor Fritz, and Qinwen Zheng, add to the tournament's rich narrative, promising surprising moments of brilliance on the courts of Flushing Meadows.

In a poignant moment earlier this year, Rolex Testimonee Dominic Thiem played his final US Open match four years after his sole major victory. Reflecting on his journey, Thiem expressed his gratitude to the crowd, saying, "I'm very grateful for everybody who came and everybody who gave me the chance to play here for one last time."

Rolex & the US Open - Rolex Testimonees and the US Open

A fusion of energy

The US Open is more than just a tennis tournament; it's an immersive experience that captures the essence of New York City. Known as “the city that never sleeps,” New York infuses the event with unmatched energy. The crowd's fervor is palpable, creating an atmosphere that captivates players and spectators alike. The vibrant grounds, celebrity sightings, and iconic Honey Deuce cocktails further enhance the experience, transforming the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center into a pulsating hub of excitement.

In this electric atmosphere, the US Open has hosted some of the sport's most unforgettable moments. Roger Federer's five consecutive titles from 2004 to 2008 testify to the tournament's storied history. But Federer is just one of many Rolex Testimonees who have left an indelible mark on the US Open. Legends like Rod Laver, Chris Evert, and Stefan Edberg, along with modern champions such as Iga Świątek and Carlos Alcaraz, embody Rolex's values of precision, performance, and the relentless pursuit of perpetual improvement.

The tournament of trailblazers

The US Open is also a crucible of innovation. It was the first Grand Slam® to introduce the tiebreak, night matches, and the Hawk-Eye Live system for real-time line calls, ensuring that the tournament remains at the forefront of the sport.

Rolex and tennis: partners for almost 50 years

Rolex's association with tennis began in 1978, when the brand became the Official Timekeeper of Wimbledon. Over the decades, Rolex has forged an enduring bond with the sport, grounded in shared principles of excellence, precision, and tradition. Today, Rolex is the Premium Partner of World Tennis, supporting all four Grand Slam® tournaments, the ATP and WTA Finals, and other prestigious events like the Davis Cup and the Laver Cup.

From the sun-drenched courts of the Australian Open to the historic lawns of Wimbledon, each Grand Slam tells its own story. As the US Open concludes the season, Rolex's presence resonates throughout, embodying the brand's legacy of precision and passion; in every match timed by Rolex, the spirit of excellence shines, making the US Open a fitting stage for both the brand and tennis's greatest champions.