Cover Rolex Testimonee Jannik Sinner claims his fourth Grand Slam Singles title at The Championships, Wimbledon 2025
Rolex Testimonee Jannik Sinner claims his fourth Grand Slam Singles title at The Championships, Wimbledon 2025
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In nearly 50 years, Rolex and The Championships, Wimbledon have built a partnership rooted in a shared commitment to tennis, tradition and the pursuit of greatness—from Rolex Testimonee Jannik Sinner’s historic title defence to Wimbledon’s enduring rituals
Last July, Rolex Testimonee Jannik Sinner made history. The Italian tennis player defeated two‑time defending champion and fellow Rolex Testimonee Carlos Alcaraz in four sets to claim his maiden Wimbledon title, becoming the first from his country to lift the Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy. The victory confirmed the then 23‑year‑old Sinner as one of the defining players of his generation.
Off the court, Sinner comes across reserved, preferring to let his tennis speak for itself. Once the game begins, however, he transforms into one of the sport’s most uncompromising competitors. His play is built on relentless precision, remarkable composure and an almost single‑minded intensity. Whether facing championship point or break point, his unflappable temperament allows him to absorb pressure and dismantle opponents with absolute consistency.
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Above Rolex Testimonee Jannik Sinner claims his fourth Grand Slam Singles title at The Championships, Wimbledon 2025
Rolex Testimonee Jannik Sinner claims his fourth Grand Slam Singles title at The Championships, Wimbledon 2025
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This July, he returns to Wimbledon not as the challenger, but as the defending champion and current world No 1. With that comes one of The Championships’ oldest traditions: on the opening Monday, the reigning Gentlemen’s Singles champion is the first player to step onto Centre Court and begin play—a privilege reserved for the previous year’s winner alone.
“For me, opening play on Centre Court will be a goosebumps moment,” Sinner says. “The atmosphere on that court is unique, unlike anything else you experience on tennis courts around the world. I never would have dreamt that one day, it would be me stepping onto that lawn and into that theatre for the very first match of The Championships.”
It is a ritual that encapsulates everything Wimbledon represents: tradition, excellence and the reward earned through years of dedication. It is also one that Rolex has witnessed for nearly half a century. Since becoming the Official Timekeeper of The Championships in 1978, the Swiss watchmaker has stood alongside the tournament’s greatest moments, measuring the passage of time as generations of champions have cemented their place in tennis history.
Above Rolex Testimonee Carlos Alcaraz begins his title defence on Centre Court at The Championships, Wimbledon 2025
Rolex Testimonee Carlos Alcaraz begins his title defence on Centre Court at The Championships, Wimbledon 2025
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The partnership feels particularly fitting because both institutions share an enduring respect for legacy. Wimbledon remains the sport’s most storied tournament, where traditions are carefully preserved and history is never far from the present. From the immaculately tended grass courts to the all‑white dress code and the famous 11pm curfew, every detail reflects a belief that excellence is built through consistency, precision and an unwavering commitment to standards.
Rolex has long celebrated those same values, honouring not only moments of victory, but also the perseverance, resilience and continual refinement that make them possible. Over the years, many of the icons who have helped shape Wimbledon’s rich history have found a natural home within the Rolex family. This distinguished roster of Rolex Testimonees—the manufacture’s long‑standing ambassadors, selected for both their achievements and the values they represent—spans generations and includes Stefan Edberg, whose graceful serve‑and‑volley game carried him to two titles in 1988 and 1990, and Roger Federer, who became synonymous with a golden era on grass with his elegant one‑handed backhand. Others, such as Pat Rafter and Justine Henin, demonstrated that contrasting styles could all flourish on the sport’s fastest surface, united by an uncompromising pursuit of excellence.
Above Rolex Testimonee Roger Federer walks onto Centre Court to begin his title defence at Wimbledon 2018
Rolex Testimonee Roger Federer walks onto Centre Court to begin his title defence at Wimbledon 2018
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While some champions arrive with a game perfectly suited to grass, Wimbledon also rewards those willing to evolve. Few victories illustrate that better than Iga Świątek’s triumph last year. Long regarded as the dominant force on clay, the Polish star patiently adapted her game to the unique demands of grass, becoming the first player from her country to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish while completing Grand Slam titles across all three playing surfaces.
“Lifting the trophy,” Świątek says, “was something beyond words because adapting my game to grass has been a long‑term process. I focused on refining my footwork, being more aggressive with my court positioning and trusting my instinct to take the ball early.” Reflecting on Rolex’s place within The Championships, the Rolex Testimonee adds: “Knowing that Rolex has been such an integral part of Wimbledon’s history makes my win even more special. I feel proud to continue this legacy, and grateful for the trust and support Rolex continues to show me throughout my journey.”
Today, Rolex’s commitment to tennis extends far beyond the lawns of southwest London. Alongside Wimbledon, the Swiss manufacture serves as the Official Timekeeper for all four Grand Slams, and supports the ATP and WTA Tours, the Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 events, the Nitto ATP Finals, the WTA Finals and leading international team competitions. Fuelled by this, the Rolex family of Testimonees continues to grow with next‑gen leading players the likes of Mirra Andreeva, João Fonseca, Ben Shelton and Qinwen Zheng, each continuing the pursuit of excellence that has long defined the sport and is perpetually championed by the brand.
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Images: Jon Buckle/Rolex
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Annabel Tan is the Editor of Watches and Jewellery at Tatler Singapore, where she covers all things luxury timepieces and fine jewellery across both print and digital platforms. She is also the Editor of Tatler GMT Singapore, a role that deepens her fascination with the ever-evolving world of watchmaking. Outside of work, she’s usually on the hunt for her next favourite watch that she can’t afford, planning her next beach getaway, or catching up on the latest Formula 1 race.
