Rolex celebrates human achievement, recognising the journey marked
by milestones and emotions that culminates in defining moments—determined
by a path followed, not just a trophy. Forming an integral part of this philosophy is the
brand’s long-standing relationship with tennis, dating back almost half a century to when
it first partnered with The Championships, Wimbledon, in 1978. Since then, Rolex has
become Official Timekeeper of all four Grand Slam® events: the Australian Open, Roland-
Garros, The Championships, Wimbledon and the US Open. Over the decades, legends of
the game have been welcomed into the Rolex family of Testimonees, including Rod Laver,
Björn Borg, Chris Evert and Roger Federer. This year, two Testimonees—Coco Gauff and Carlos
Alcaraz sensationally claimed the Roland-Garros 2025 singles titles.
For the first time since 1984, this year’s Roland-Garros saw the World No. 1 and No.
2 ranked players meet in both the men’s and women’s singles finals. Alcaraz’s rivalry
with Jannik Sinner reached record-breaking heights on June 8, 2025, when they contested
their eagerly anticipated first Grand Slam® final. They pushed each other to the limits
physically and emotionally, taking the sport to another level over five sets, while
maintaining an extraordinary sense of fair play throughout. Marking the longest Roland-
Garros final in history and the second longest Grand Slam® final since the Open Era began,
Alcaraz ultimately came from two sets down and saved three championship points to
prevail 4–6, 6–7 (4), 6–4, 7–6 (3), 7–6 (10–2) in 5 hours and 29 minutes.
Physically spent after clinching the championship tie-break, Alcaraz dropped to
the ground, before warmly embracing his fellow Rolex Testimonee. At the prize-giving ceremony, he exalted his opponent and addressed Sinner directly by saying: “Jannik, it is an amazing level you have. I know how hard you are chasing this tournament and every tournament. It is a privilege to share the court with you and make history together. You are an inspiration.” Turning to the crowd, he continued: “This tournament is so special to me, and I cannot wait to come back year after year.”
For Women’s Singles, Gauff orchestrated a hard-fought journey to the women’s crown.
The 21-year-old navigated the challenging conditions with resilience, composure and
steadfast determination, coming back from a set down to seal a 6–7, 6–2, 6–4 victory on
Court Philippe-Chatrier. Gauff, who joined the Rolex family in 2019, is now a two-time
Grand Slam® champion. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude for her team as well as the
people who supported her by saying: “I want to thank my team. You are always pushing
me. You guys are the reason I do this and inspire me more than anything. I don’t know
what I did to deserve so much love from the French crowd but… merci beaucoup.”
As the sun set over Court Philippe-Chatrier on June 8, an enthralling Roland-Garros
concluded. This was a Grand Slam® tournament marked by spectacular displays
from the Rolex Testimonees, notably Alcaraz’s fourth round encounter with Ben
Shelton, which earned the Spaniard his100th clay-court win. Holger Rune also
showcased his prowess on the surface by reaching the fourth round, and rising star
João Fonseca drew enormous crowds in his electrifying main draw debut. The depth of
women’s talent shone through, with many of the game’s leading players making the
latter stages. Building on her gold-medal winning run at Stade Roland-Garros last
summer, Qinwen Zheng secured a quarter-final place, while 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva
became the youngest player this century to reach back-to-back quarter-finals. Four-
time Roland-Garros champion, Iga Świątek demonstrated skill and fighting spirit under
pressure to claim a 26th successive victory at Roland-Garros en route to the semi-finals.
This milestone represents the second longest winning streak by a woman in the Open Era;
only fellow Rolex Testimonee and Queen of Clay Chris Evert has achieved more, with 29.
Through their achievement, they embody the timeless ethos of Rolex and the essence
of Roland-Garros. Evert, a Rolex Testimonee and 18-time Grand Slam® champion, relayed
how Rolex has positively influenced the game she loves: “Tennis has always been a great sport, but Rolex helps to elevate it even more. I love the loyalty that Rolex has to the legends
of the game and that the brand is such a great supporter of men’s and women’s tennis. They value women as much as men, and for me as a woman that’s very important. Rolex
mirrors the Grand Slams with excellence and in everything they do.”
Rolex has served as Official Timekeeper of the Grand Slam® tournament since 2019. Defined
by resilience and precision, it challenges players to master the distinctive demands
of clay, rewarding those with an unyielding pursuit of excellence. Taking cues from the
values upheld by the brand’s founder, Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex recognises that champions are
remembered not only for the victories earned but by the humility and determination with
which they competed.
