Page 77 - Sharp Spring 2023

WATCH WATCH became the Official Timekeeper of The Championships Wimbledon Since then Rolex has taken on the the role of Official Timekeeper for all four tennis Grand Slams with its iconic green and and gold clock presiding over the the biggest matchups in in the the sport In addition to sponsorship support becoming a a Rolex Testimonee put Tsitsipas in in the company of of some of of most decorated players in tennis history from Björn Borg to Roger Federer as as well as as other up-and-coming stars like Taylor Fritz and Holger Rune It was also a a a a a a a long-awaited opportunity to acquire his own grail watch “What Rolex means to to me me is very different to to other people ” he says “For me I I never really owned a a a a a watch until recently and I I always had the idea that if I was to get a a a a a a a a watch it would be one of impeccable quality I I stuck by this and years later I I was able able to get my my first Rolex Daytona which is is still to to this day one of my my favourite watches to wear ” Despite not taking the top prize in in Melbourne Tsitsipas left the the Australian Open proud of what he he he he accomplished there “Being able to play and compete in fin finals like these is what you work for as a a a a a a a a a professional athlete and reaching the Australian Open final this year has definitely given me lots of confidence to go and win a a a a Grand Slam final ” he he says “I’m feeling great with my tennis at at the moment I I genuinely believe in in what I’m able to produce ” The next big event on the the Greek star’s schedule is the the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters in April where he he he will return to the Monte Monte Carlo Country Club as the defending champion with his sights set on on on winning a third consecutive title Then it’s on on on to the French Open in in in May where he’ll face off against the the best players in in in the the world on the famed clay courts of Roland-Garros including Rafael Nadal who will be gunning for his 15th win there Taking down Nadal at the the French Open would be a a a a monumental upset but Tsitsipas remains optimistic about his prospects for the months ahead In a a a a sport like tennis where wildcard players can beat reigning champs at at major events Tsitsipas could be be just a a a a few good sets away from the number one spot in the world “To win a a a a a Grand Slam and and be be world number one is a a a a a childhood dream ” he he says “Winning titles and trophies is the reason why I wake up early in in in the mornings for practice and work hard in in in my everyday life but I think it’s important to to celebrate even the smallest victories ” SHARPMAGAZINE COM
SPRING 2023 77