ROLEX AND THE CHAMPIONSHIPS, WIMBLEDON: A TIME-HONOURED PARTNERSHIP

ROLEX AND THE CHAMPIONSHIPS, WIMBLEDON: A TIME-HONOURED PARTNERSHIP

From 1–14 July, the eyes of the tennis world will once again turn to the leafy suburbs of south-west London for the 133rd edition of the sport’s oldest, most revered event, The Championships, Wimbledon.

A cherished summer institution at the heart of the grass-court season, Wimbledon is a bastion of heritage and tradition, upholding principles that align perfectly with those of Rolex, the Official Timekeeper of The Championships for more than 40 years.

Since 1978 Rolex has nurtured a special relationship with the third Grand Slam® event of the year, an alliance that marked the start of Rolex’s long-term affiliation with tennis.

Over time, Rolex has become part of the fabric of the game, extending its support to the world’s most prestigious events, including all four Grand Slam tournaments, major organizations that administer the game globally, and champions of the sport, some of whom have seen their legend born on Wimbledon’s impeccably prepared grass courts.

One of those Testimonees is Roger Federer, who, over the course of 20 Wimbledon appearances, has made Centre Court his second home. It was here 10 years ago that he claimed his sixth title and arguably the greatest Grand Slam victory of his career.

RECORD-BREAKING YEAR

ROLEX TESTIMONEE ROGER FEDERER AT THE CHAMPIONSHIPS, WIMBLEDON 2018

An exceptional feat in its own right, this victory had special significance for Federer and the sport at large. With this win, he secured his 15th Grand Slam title and took sole ownership of the record for most Wimbledon gentlemen’s singles titles in the Open era. Since that memorable year, he has captured two further Wimbledon titles, bringing his total to eight. He has now claimed more Wimbledon gentlemen’s singles titles that any other player in the history of the game.

Reflecting on that momentous 2009 and Wimbledon, Federer said: “Ten years ago I had one of the best years of my career. To win Roland-Garros for the first time was special, but to then win my record 15th Grand Slam at Wimbledon was unbelievable. Wimbledon holds such a special place in my heart. It is where I always feel at home and I look forward to returning every year.”

Throughout his glorious career, the Swiss maestro has been driven by an unrelenting commitment to excellence and superior performance, echoing the philosophy that Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf instilled in the company he established 114 years ago. Just like Rolex in its enduring support for tennis, Federer has helped to shape and advance the game, redefining what is possible on a tennis court and shattering records along the way.

A NEW GENERATION OF CHAMPIONS

Federer will be joined at the All England Club by other Rolex Testimonees who have enjoyed Wimbledon success, including reigning ladies’ singles champion Angelique Kerber of Germany and 2017 winner Garbiñe Muguruza of Spain. Both multiple Grand Slam winners, they know the key to success on the grass courts and will each take inspiration from Federer’s accomplishments in their quests to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish for a second time.

Rolex Testimonees Sloane Stephens of the United States, Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki and Austrian Dominic Thiem will also all be able to draw on their Grand

Slam experience. Stephens won the 2017 US Open, while Wozniacki captured her first major title at the 2018 Australian Open and Thiem has now appeared in two

consecutive Roland-Garros finals. Together they form a formidable trio of players with the requisite skills and high-pressure experience to conquer Centre Court.

THE CHAMPIONSHIPS, WIMBLEDON ROLEX TESTIMONEE WINNERS

Rod Laver (1961, 1962, 1968, 1969)

Chris Evert (1974, 1976, 1981)

Björn Borg (1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980)

Stefan Edberg (1988, 1990)

Roger Federer (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017)

Garbiñe Muguruza (2017)

Angelique Kerber (2018)

Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42

ROLEX TESTIMONEES CONTESTING THE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019

ABOUT ROLEX

An unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise

Rolex, a Swiss watch manufacture headquartered in Geneva, is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products. Its Oyster Perpetual and Cellini watches, all certified as Superlative Chronometers for their precision, performance and reliability, are symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The word “Perpetual” is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company’s vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. Rolex has registered over 500 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated and independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, Rolex is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

www.rolex.com