Cover Carlos Alcaraz and his Rolex watches (Photos: Getty Images/Rolex)
Carlos Alcaraz and his Rolex watches (Photos: Getty Images/Rolex)
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Rolex ambassador Carlos Alcaraz is loyal to a handful of stars
The 2026 Australian Open just concluded, and it delivered nothing short of captivating action. As the world’s top tennis stars battled it out on the hard courts of Melbourne, all eyes were on young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz as he faced Novak Djokovic in the finals.
The 22-year-old is currently the youngest player to complete the Career Grand Slam, cementing his legacy as a dominant force in men’s tennis. A Rolex Testimonee, his contention for this historic feat also invites a conversation about the symbols of excellence on his wrist. The esteemed watchmaker has served as the Official Timekeeper of the Australian Open since 2008, and it has long been a part of many tennis legends’ journeys—from Rod Laver to Roger Federer.
See also: Carlos Alcaraz secures Australian Open victory with the Louis Vuitton trophy trunk in Melbourne
The Rolex and Alcaraz partnership is undoubtedly one to watch. In the meantime, we delve into the highly coveted timepieces that have been sported by this young tennis sensation.
On the rise
Back in 2022, at age 19, Alcaraz rose to become world No. 1 after winning his first Grand Slam at the 2022 US Open. At the celebrations, he had on one of Rolex’s most iconic creations and contributions to sporting history: the Daytona.
Since discontinued, the young sportsman’s ref. 116500LN was the first steel Daytona to have a ceramic bezel—a development which made this edition quickly and highly sought-after across the horology world. The attractive black Cerachrom is famously scratch-proof, while the stainless steel bracelet adds another layer of refinement to the trusty chronograph.
Reigning favourite
Since 2023, Alcaraz is frequently pictured wearing his treasured Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, ref. 116518LN-0076, whether he’s on or off the court—and it's the watch he's worn to many a crowning moment.
Shortly after he bagged his second Wimbledon victory, in July 2024, he was quoted saying: “The Rolex Daytona I am wearing right now is also the watch I wore when I lifted the Wimbledon trophy last year. It has been with me for some very important moments and holds many memories from my tennis career.”
See also: On the road to Wimbledon: Range Rover takes Tatler to the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament
Alcaraz’s grail-worthy, now-discontinued Daytona exhibits an 18-carat yellow gold case in 40mm, a black Cerachrom bezel and a striking meteorite dial on a sporty and robust Oysterflex bracelet. Its renowned chronograph function, powered by a high-precision movement, ensures impeccable timing and performance befitting any world-class athlete.
Going for gold
At the 2024 French Open and Summer Olympics, the tennis star swapped out his recurrent choice for a 40mm Day-Date, ref. 228238, with a black, diamond-set dial. This gorgeous model is fully crafted in 18-carat yellow gold, from the fluted bezel to the likewise iconic President bracelet. It boasts a distinctive presence and timeless elegance befitting an elite sportsman like Alcaraz.
It would be a crime to miss the details. Accentuated by 10 baguette-cut diamonds, the dial is what Rolex calls a “bright black”, as the sunray finish is meant to diffuse light along each engraving. This creates a stunning, subtle glow that moves depending on the position of the wrist.
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Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.
