Playing the opening match on Centre Court at The Championships, Wimbledon, is one of the greatest privileges in tennis. On Monday at 1.30 p.m. local time, Rolex Testimonee Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to achieve this honor after winning the gentlemen’s singles title in 2025.
The 24-year-old’s return to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club signals another cherished fortnight of competition at a tournament defined by excellence since its inception in 1877.
Sinner said: “For me, opening play on Centre Court will be a goosebumps moment. The atmosphere is unique, unlike anything else you experience on tennis courts around the world. I would never have dreamed that one day it would be me stepping onto that lawn and into that theatre for the very first match of the championships.”
Above: Jannik Sinner. Photo credit: © Rolex.
Iga Świątek will follow in Sinner’s footsteps, returning to the scene of one of her career-defining victories when she opens proceedings on day 2. The Rolex Testimonee’s poise and unwavering commitment led to her becoming the first Polish player to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish last year.
Świątek said: “Lifting the trophy was something beyond words because adapting my game to grass has been a long-term process. I focused on refining my footwork, being more aggressive with my court positioning and trusting my instinct to take the ball early. Knowing that Rolex has been such an integral part of Wimbledon’s history made my win even more special. I feel proud to continue this legacy and grateful for the trust and support they show me throughout my journey.”
Since Rolex’s relationship with tennis began at Wimbledon in 1978, many members of the Rolex family have left a lasting impression on the spiritual home of tennis. From Björn Borg and Chris Evert’s pioneering baseline games, to Stefan Edberg and Pat Rafter’s precision serve-and-volley style, and more recently, the elegant single-handed backhand of Roger Federer, Wimbledon has long been shaped by champions who pushed the sport forward on grass.
Above: Iga Świątek. Photo credit: © Rolex.
Borg, a five-time Wimbledon champion, reflected on winning his first of five consecutive Wimbledon titles in 1976.
“To know it’s been 50 years since I won my maiden Wimbledon title feels like a long time. Back then, the grass courts were very fast. I often tried to play on the front foot and come forward but I didn’t want to do this all the time, so I tried staying on the baseline. I had to learn and figure out how to play my game. Once I did that, I finally felt comfortable on this surface. I knew exactly when to come in and when to stay back, I found the motion, I found the rhythm and I think that’s why I was very successful at Wimbledon. This was the key moment for me.”
Half a century later, the next generation arrives in south-west London aiming to tailor their games and capture one of tennis’ most prestigious prizes. Newly crowned Roland-Garros champion Mirra Andreeva joins Belinda Bencic, Coco Gauff, Maria Sakkari and Qinwen Zheng in the ladies’ singles draw.
Above: Mirra Andreeva. Photo credit: © Rolex.
On the men’s side, fellow Rolex Testimonees João Fonseca, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton and Stéfanos Tsitsipás are among those with their sights set on the gentlemen’s singles trophy.
As another Wimbledon fortnight begins, the tennis world will once again watch the skilful performances unfold, with each moment adding to the tournament’s timeless traditions forged over 149 years.
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Source: Rolex. Photo credit (top): © Rolex.
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