As the summer of 2024 approaches, tennis fans worldwide are gearing up for another spectacular edition of The Championships, Wimbledon. This year, all eyes will be on Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish sensation and reigning men’s singles champion, as he looks to defend his title at the prestigious tournament. The 20-year-old phenom is set to open play on Centre Court at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 1, following in the footsteps of another Rolex Testimonee and tennis legend, Roger Federer.
Twenty years ago, in 2004, Federer returned to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club to defend his first Wimbledon title. That year marked the beginning of a dominant reign that saw Federer not only claim his second consecutive Wimbledon crown but also ascend to World No. 1—a position he would hold for a record 237 consecutive weeks. Federer’s effortless grace and mastery on grass led to eight Wimbledon titles, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greatest players.
For Alcaraz, Federer’s career is not just a source of inspiration but a blueprint for his own journey. “Watching Roger Federer play tennis for so many years has been an amazing privilege for me,” says Alcaraz. “He taught the world how to play with elegance and style. I try to play like that too—to follow my instincts, to relax, and enjoy my time on the court. Winning Wimbledon was surreal, and I look back on it with the happiest memories.”
This year marks the 137th edition of Wimbledon, running from July 1 to July 14, with the world’s top players competing for Grand Slam® glory on the pristine grass courts of the All England Club. For nearly half a century, Rolex has played a crucial role in preserving the tradition and elegance of Wimbledon, serving as the tournament’s Official Timekeeper since 1978. The Swiss watchmaker’s long-standing association with Wimbledon reflects its commitment to precision, excellence, and the pursuit of greatness in both sport and craftsmanship.
Federer himself has often spoken about the unique relationship between Rolex and Wimbledon. “When people think about Rolex, they see Wimbledon, and when people think about Wimbledon, they see Rolex,” Federer remarks. “Both elevate one another and fit perfectly together.”
As Alcaraz prepares to walk onto Centre Court, carrying the weight of expectation and the legacy of past champions like Federer, one thing is clear: the path to tennis greatness continues to run through Wimbledon, and Rolex will be there to mark every moment.
