Page 40 - S Summer 2024

40
SMAGAZINEOFFICIAL.COM TIMEPIECES
I n tennis, few tournaments evoke the same level of passion and intensity
as Roland-Garros, otherwise known as the French Open, where players
compete on the iconic clay courts in western Paris. Rolex has continued its
steadfast relationship with Roland-Garros as Premium Partner and Official
Timekeeper since 2019. Established in 1891, this tournament stands as
the pinnacle of the clay-court season; with its demanding physicality,
slower pace of play, and extended rallies, Roland-Garros remains the sole
Grand Slam event played on this unique surface. Amidst the red dust and
fervent crowds, Rolex celebrates the triumphs and legacies of the sport’s
most revered figures. At the heart of the partnership is 22-year-old tennis
sensation and Rolex Testimonee Iga Świątek, who defended her crown and
secured her third Roland-Garros title at the Grand Slam event in 2023.
“It’s amazing to be a Rolex Testimonee. I just feel so proud and appreciate
it so much because there have been so many great players in the Rolex
family who have changed the history of the sport,” says Świątek, reflecting
on her 2022 addition to the impressive list of athletes.
Living up to her status, Świątek breezed through her first four matches
with just nine games dropped before facing Coco Gauff in a repeat match
of the 2022 final. After an almost three-hour battle, victory was claimed
in the final under intense pressure in a 5-4 lead that ultimately won her
the title, and saw her raising the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen to the roaring
crowd. This win continues an amazing record with 28 games won and
just two games lost during her time competing throughout the years at
Roland-Garros.
For Świątek, coming to terms with her victories hasn’t been linear. “I
learned a lot after winning my first Grand Slam title at Roland-Garros [in
2020], but it was only after my second title there and my US Open win
in 2022 that I actually felt that I deserved to be a Grand Slam champion,
as I had shown everybody that I could repeat my success.” In addition
to Świątek, other members of the Rolex family showcased remarkable
performances at Roland-Garros. From Carlos Alcaraz’s captivating
athleticism to Alexander Zverev’s relentless pursuit of excellence—leading
them both to reach the semifinals in the men’s draw—the tournament
bore witness to the calibre of talent from the Rolex Testimonees.
As Wimbledon approaches this July, the legacy of Roland-Garros
continues to inspire a new generation of champions. The tradition
of Rolex in the sport continues to thrive with more than 40 years
of partnership with Wimbledon, further showcasing the brand’s
commitment to the sport. For Świątek and her fellow Testimonees, the
pursuit of greatness is a journey fuelled by passion, perseverance, and
the timeless connection between Rolex and tennis. As the clay settles at
Roland-Garros, Świątek’s victory resonates as a testament to the power
of dedication, determination, and the unwavering support of a
timeless partnership.
Game Point Glam slam champion and Rolex Testimonee
Iga Świątek on her partnership with the
legendary timekeeper and her three French
Open Grand Slam titles.
By Haley Dach