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Photo: Rolex/Thomas Lovelock
Rising to the pinnacle of tennis, one of the most high-profile and elite sports in the world, takes way more than talent and fortune. For the singles game, which is often considered an entirely different sport from doubles, success or failure in an ultra-competitive field rests on the shoulders of one, and one alone.
Out on centre court, all eyes are on that single individual. But it’s not just about the opponent; the pressure, the spectators, the surface, the weather, the umpiring and line calls all come into play. In particular, the US Open poses a most unique challenge: the electrifying atmosphere of Arthur Ashe Stadium, which at full capacity of 23,771, is the largest tennis arena in the world.
Ultimately, the path to victory takes exceptional dedication, skill, and fortitude in conquering the odds. Not many have scaled this height, and more than once.
Par excellence
Swiss maestro Roger Federer and Swedish serve-and-volley great Stefan Edberg, both Rolex Testimonees and the most beloved of tennis role models, are among the extraordinary few.
This final Grand Slam of a year-long season, held at Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York City, holds some of the most incredible achievements and memories for the two sportsmen.
The atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe Stadium during a night session at the 2023 US Open (Photo: Rolex/Jon Buckle)
In the Open Era of tennis, which began in 1968 when professionals were allowed to compete against amateurs in Glam Slam tournaments, Edberg had raised the US Open men’s singles trophy twice, in 1991 and 1992, overcoming challenging conditions in the latter to emerge victorious in an epic five-hour, 26-minute semi-final — still the longest match in the tournament’s history.
Federer, nicknamed the GOAT for “Greatest of All Time”, had triumphed five consecutive times stateside between 2004 and 2008. Having snagged the Wimbledon and Australian Open men’s singles titles in the three years prior, he proceeded to vanquish a roll call of some of the decade’s toughest competitors here: Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray.
Rolex Testimonee Roger Federer wearing an Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 (Photo: Rolex/Thomas Laisné)
A six-time Grand Slam champion, Edberg says of playing under a floodlit night sky in the city that never sleeps, “Winning the US Open was truly special on both occasions. The 1992 tournament was the most demanding fortnight of my life. Flushing Meadows is one of the best places in the world to watch tennis at night – it can be incredibly loud and noisy; there is a buzzing atmosphere, so it really tests your focus as a player.”
Highlighting its arduous nature, 20-time Grand Slam title-holder Federer adds, “I felt like if you could win in New York, you could win anywhere because of its unique conditions – the humidity, the wind, the hustle and bustle, and the intensity that it created.”
Rolex Testimonee Stefan Edberg wearing an Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 (Photo: Rolex/Stéphane Rodriguez Delavega)
Gentleman champions
The reason why Federer and Edberg are admired until today is because they were not just the best at their game, but also ones that represented the important values tennis fans hold dear — terrific sportsmanship, impeccable conduct, and excellent showmanship.
And Federer knows this: “The US Open is different, because New Yorkers come to the event, they sit down and they expect a great performance. They will support you if you put on a show. The crowd is always waiting for something to happen, so it creates immense pressure in the biggest stadium in tennis, especially under the lights which is when you usually play your biggest matches.”
Rolex Testimonee Roger Federer in action at Flushing Meadows, home to the US Open (Photo: Rolex/Jon Buckle)
It goes without saying that the two legends drew fans from near and far to witness a graceful athleticism that both share — which is rare in the sport. Recalls Edberg, “A huge number of spectators from many walks of life all come to see great tennis at the US Open, which is amazing for the sport. The first time I won the event in 1991, I was playing the best tennis of my career and the match in the final was my best performance on a tennis court.”
Fans aside, what unites them is Rolex’s enduring support, even after they’ve hung up their racquets. States Edberg, “I feel privileged to be a Rolex Testimonee and to be part of one of the most prestigious and successful companies in the world. For me, as a former tennis player, the history of Rolex and its support of the game during this time makes it even more special.”
Rolex Testimonee Stefan Edberg hits a backhand at the 1992 US Open (Photo: Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)
Indeed, since 1978, when Rolex first partnered The Championships, Wimbledon, it has never wavered in its commitment to the tennis world. From generation to generation, the Swiss watchmaker’s crown symbol has been present at the most prestigious competitions and by the side of leading players, as they strive for excellence and to inspire future tennis champions.
In 2018, Rolex became Official Timekeeper of the US Open in recognition of the human endeavour and passion for tennis that the tournament has showcased over the decades. This tournament is truly special, in that it is the only one to have been played every year since its inception in 1881.
Rolex Testimonee Coco Gauff winning her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open (Photo: Rolex/Jon Buckle)
The new generation of tennis stars the brand has inducted into its fold include Carlos Alcaraz, Sloane Stephens, Ben Shelton, Dominic Thiem, and of course, Coco Gauff, who became a Rolex Testimonee at the age of 15. Says the US Open 2023 women’s singles champion, “For them to have believed in me from such a young age was incredible. To still be with them five years later is even more amazing – it really feels like I’m part of a family.”
Imagine what it’s like then for Federer, who has had Rolex behind him and tennis for 23 years and counting: “It makes me very happy to see Rolex’s support of tennis tournaments around the world, and it also makes me proud to see how this relationship has flourished over the years. Tennis is a wonderful sport and Rolex is an incredible brand, so they fit very well together.”
