Atmosphere on Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park, host of the Australian Open. ©Rolex/Jon Buckle.
From 12-26 January, the world’s top tennis stars battled it out at the Rod Laver Arena to jump-start their 2025 campaign. On hand to support the tournament is Rolex, who lent its expertise as the Official Timekeeper of the Australian Open yet again – a position it has held since 2008.
The Swiss watchmaker’s association with the world of tennis has been long-standing and constant since 1978, when it partnered The Championships at Wimbledon. Decades on, the crown has been a central figure at some of tennis’ most prestigious tournaments and most significantly, by the side of the game’s leading players, tennis champions and its future stars.
Last year’s Australian Open emphasised that notion when Rolex Testimonees Jannik Sinner and Qinwen Zheng made their Grand Slam breakthroughs at the tournament. Rather fittingly, both tennis stars showcased their prowess and abilities at the Rod Laver Arena, a prominent and important battleground of the Australian Open for the past 25 years.
Throughout the tournament’s history, its courts have seen its fair share of tennis champions displaying their skill, endeavour and tenacity. Like the stars of before, and to come, both Sinner and Zheng exemplify the qualities of players that have gone on to earn their place in the world of tennis.
Legendary Arena
Rolex Testimonee and 2024 Australian Open Women’s Singles finalist QinWen Zheng serves on Rod Laver Arena. ©Rolex/Jon Buckle.
For many, playing in the tournament in front of the revered eyes of Rod Laver himself adds to the gravitas. The tennis legend is often present courtside around the world but his home Grand Slam tournament – with a Centre Court famously named in his honour in 2000 – clearly has a special place in his heart.
“I feel honoured that Australia has recognised my tennis achievements by putting my name on that beautiful big stadium. In many ways, it’s like a continuation of my years playing,” expresses Laver. A role model for several generations of players with 200 singles titles to his name, Laver is the incarnation of a pivotal era in tennis and an ever-present figure of the game.
Notably 2025 marked 65 years since Laver won his first Grand Slam title, at his home championships in 1960. Since then, he has witnessed the evolution of tennis and Rolex’s relationship with the sport first-hand. The tennis legend expresses that Rolex’s partnership with the Australian Open is important for both tennis and the country. “It’s an incredible partnership and one that I have seen thrive over many years.”
Timeless Moments
Rolex Testimonee Rod Laver wins his first of 11 Grand Slam titles at his home championships in Australian 1960. ©Getty Images.
Reflecting on how it felt to play in front of Laver on his eponymous court, Zheng admits that it was a special moment to have different generations of tennis players and members of the Rolex family on the same court.
On returning to the Australian Open this year, where he claimed his maiden Grand Slam title, Sinner opines that every season will have its own story. “You never know what will happen, but for us it always starts in Australia which I’m very happy about.”
For the players, the Australian Open marks a return from the off-season and an opportunity to compete for Grand Slam glory. And like the past 17 years, and years to come, Rolex will be at courtside to document the action as the game’s new talents etch their name in history on this iconic court.
This article was first published in The Peak Malaysia’s February 2025 issue.
