In 2024, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club hosted The Championships, Wimbledon, one of the most prestigious events in tennis.
Geneva, 25 June 2024
From Monday, 1 July to Sunday, 14 July, the world’s best players will compete on Wimbledon’s hallowed lawns for the 137th time, seeking to write their names into sporting history. Rolex’s relationship with Wimbledon began nearly half a century ago, in 1978, and the Swiss watchmaker has since supported the leading tournaments and talents in tennis.
Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual
Alcaraz ahead of Wimbledon 2024
Following tradition, defending men’s singles champion Carlos Alcaraz will open play on Centre Court at 13:30 local time on Monday, 1 July. The Rolex Testimonee, who recently won his third Grand Slam title at Roland-Garros, said:
"Honestly, last year's final, with all my loved ones there and the atmosphere throughout the day, was an incredible moment. At times, overcoming my emotions felt harder than winning the match. Winning while representing Rolex made it even more special, because the brand is such an important part of Wimbledon, and I am looking forward to the first match on Centre Court next week. This is the only tournament where the defending champion opens play on Monday, so it is a great honour."
For more than a century, Wimbledon’s Centre Court has hosted legendary performances and rivalries. Twenty years ago, Roger Federer returned to this revered tennis stage to successfully defend his first Wimbledon title. Having joined the Rolex family in 2001, the Swiss maestro went on to win a record eight Wimbledon singles titles and 20 Grand Slams.
Roger Federer on Wimbledon
"From the very first time I stepped onto a court at the All England Club as a junior, I felt that Wimbledon was special. When you look around and see the Rolex crown, it feels comforting, almost like home. I remember saying that lifting the trophy was like holding the sun, because it was golden and shone on that beautiful day in London. It feels especially heavy because of the weight of history it carries."
Among those seeking to prevent Alcaraz from repeating his success are fellow Rolex Testimonees Taylor Fritz, Holger Rune, Ben Shelton, Jannik Sinner and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Following her historic fourth Roland-Garros title, Iga Świątek will compete for the Venus Rosewater Dish alongside Coco Gauff, Caroline Wozniacki and Zheng Qinwen in the women’s singles. This year also marks an important moment for 2018 champion Angelique Kerber, who returns to Wimbledon for the first time since becoming a mother.
Kerber, a Rolex ambassador since 2017
Three-time Grand Slam champion and Rolex Testimonee since 2017, Kerber says:
"I am looking forward to competing, feeling the atmosphere created by the crowd and playing against the best players in the world.
For women in any sport, it is important to feel welcome and to know that if you dream and keep training, you can achieve great things. Winning Wimbledon in 2018 showed that hard work and persistence pay off — it truly was a dream come true.”
