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That was it. It’s over. Those of us who were fortunate enough – in terms of time or access – to watch even a few matches on the lush lawns of Wimbledon 2025 can count ourselves lucky. I still vividly remember, as a child, the epic duels between Björn Borg and John McEnroe on the grass courts of the British Open. I used to watch those matches religiously, as they aired on public TV, filling endless hours of summer idleness in our family’s mountain house. These days, you need cable to enjoy that privilege, or better yet, the ability to travel to London for the event itself. Especially this year, a demanding workload allowed me to watch only fragments of a few matches. And yet, the passion, the tension, the excitement, they were all still there. And so was Rolex.
Two newly crowned champions – in the men’s and women’s singles – realized their dream at this Grand Slam tournament for the very first time. Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek lifted the coveted Wimbledon 2025 trophy. And in that moment of triumph, while wearing the winner’s “crown,” they also had another crown on their wrist – a small, golden one. The coronet etched into the dial of their watches. Because both of them – along with the men’s finalist Carlos Alcaraz – are part of the exclusive circle of Rolex Testimonees, as the Swiss brand calls them. Is there any real difference from the usual “ambassadors” other brands work with? Not exactly. The emphasis, however, is on testimony – that these individuals, whether athletes, explorers, or artists, serve as living proof of Rolex’s precision, elegance, and reliability. The idea dates back to 1927, when Mercedes Gleitze swam the English Channel with a waterproof Rolex on her wrist. But that’s another story…
Beyond the obvious – the matches, the adrenaline, the euphoria of victory and the sting of defeat – Wimbledon 2025 offered more than champions. It reaffirmed a decades-long relationship. As fans held their breath during rallies on the emerald courts of the All England Club, each serve, break point, and silent interlude carried the subtle but constant aura of Rolex. The official timekeeper and sponsor of this – and the other three Grand Slam tournaments – was quietly visible atop the scoreboard, in the hushed ticking of the courtside clocks, and in the ethos and grace of the athletes who wear the brand.
I didn’t want this article to focus once again on the specific models worn by the finalists during the trophy ceremony. What intrigued me more was why these athletes choose to represent the brand. When the dynamic, fierce, and exceptionally talented Jannik Sinner hoisted the trophy this year, it felt like the inevitable conclusion of a storyline Rolex had long anticipated. I would’ve felt the same even if Alcaraz had taken the title. Świątek, on the other hand – with her quiet composure, clinical precision, and unwavering focus – seems the perfect reflection of a watchmaking house that values tradition and strives for perfection. In either case, Rolex stood on the winner’s podium. And I’m not just talking about the timepieces worn. Since 1978, Rolex has proudly partnered with Wimbledon and the athletes chasing Grand Slam glory. For nearly five decades, its watches haven’t just kept time – they’ve become symbols of excellence and heritage in the sport.
On the afternoon of Saturday, July 12, Iga Świątek became the only active player to win Grand Slam® titles on all three surfaces: grass, clay, and hard court. In the women’s singles final, she needed just 57 minutes to defeat her opponent 6–0, 6–0, delivering a performance of calm authority and technical brilliance. Świątek impressed with her improved movement on grass, balancing intensity with patience at key moments. Now a six-time Grand Slam® champion and Rolex Testimonee, she commented on her historic victory: “Honestly, I didn’t even dare to dream of this moment because it felt so far away. This is the most traditional tournament, so playing well here and winning is perhaps the greatest achievement in tennis. The atmosphere at Wimbledon and how the tournament is organized – it’s simply perfect.”
On Sunday, July 13, 15,000 spectators at Centre Court witnessed a match brimming with power, tension, and precision. Jannik Sinner elevated his game and displayed unshakable stamina, beating Carlos Alcaraz 4–6, 6–4, 6–4, 6–4 in 3 hours and 4 minutes. A member of the Rolex family since 2020, Sinner has been on a steadily rising trajectory. At just 23 years old, he became the first Italian to win Wimbledon and claimed his fourth Grand Slam title.
In his first remarks after the final, he addressed his rival, Carlos Alcaraz: “You played an incredible tournament again, but more than that, thank you for the kind of player you are. It’s always tough facing you, and we have a great relationship off the court. I’m sure you’ll be lifting this trophy many, many times. You’ve already got two!” Reflecting on his journey to the top, he added: “I’m so happy I stayed calm. This is an unbelievable feeling. I truly want to thank my entire team. You help me push my limits not only as a player but more importantly, as a person. I’m living my dream.”
Throughout the two weeks of the Wimbledon tournament, many more Rolex Testimonees delivered unforgettable performances. Two immensely talented 18-year-olds, Mirra Andreeva and João Fonseca, had standout runs: Fonseca reached the third round in his main draw debut, while Andreeva made her first Grand Slam quarterfinal. With serves clocking 237 km/h, Ben Shelton wowed crowds up to the quarterfinals, where he faced Sinner. Interestingly, all semifinalists — both men and women – belonged to the Rolex family.
Two more Testimonees impressed with their performances. Just months after giving birth to her daughter, Belinda Bencic had her best Wimbledon run, reaching the semifinals, where she faced this year’s champion, Świątek. Taylor Fritz, one of the tournament’s most consistent players, battled through two grueling five-set matches before losing to Alcaraz in the semis.
Several other members of the Rolex family competed, though without the expected results – including favorites like Coco Gauff, and Greece’s own Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari.
Even off the court, Rolex’s discreet presence could be felt. Rolex Testimonee and eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer watched several matches from the Royal Box, looking as composed and elegant as ever – just as we remember him, both on and off the court. Alongside him, other Rolex family members returned to Centre Court, where they had lived some of the most iconic moments of their careers. Among them was Björn Borg, who won five straight Wimbledon titles from 1976 to 1980.
Reminiscing, Borg shared: “Walking back to the locker room holding that trophy was unforgettable. To be honest, every time I won here, I didn’t want to leave Centre Court. The crowd was cheering, and I felt I had achieved something I’d dreamed of all my life – it was one of the most beautiful emotions. To see Rolex still supporting this event and to be part of that history with them means a lot to me. In some way, I feel like I still belong to this tournament.”
For the record, Wimbledon – first held in 1877 – remains the only Grand Slam still played on its original surface: grass. Legends like Borg, Federer, Chris Evert, and Garbiñe Muguruza have embodied tennis with elegance, precision, and integrity. Today, Rolex continues to celebrate human achievement and support the new generation of athletes who inspire with their talent, finesse, and distinctive style.
