The US Open, one of the oldest tennis championships globally, with its roots tracing back to 1881, creates a charged atmosphere as it marks the fourth and final Grand Slam® tournament of the season. The upcoming edition at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York is scheduled to run from the 28th of August to the 10th of September.
Rolex, as part of its longstanding dedication to tennis spanning over four decades, has held the prestigious position of Official Timekeeper for the US Open since 2018. Throughout its history, the US Open has been a source of triumph for Rolex’s Testimonees, with notable figures like Chris Evert standing out. Evert, who reached the semi-finals at just 17, went on to clinch the women’s singles title six times. Her victories at the Australian Open (twice), Roland-Garros (seven times), and The Championships, Wimbledon (three times) set her apart as one of the few champions to conquer all Grand Slam surfaces during her era.
Chris Evert shared her sentiment for the US Open, saying, “Playing at home was always so special due to the New York crowd and Arthur Ashe Stadium. While every year was different, there were new and exciting qualities in every tournament I played there. Winning six times in my home country is something that will always stay with me.”
Returning to New York as the defending champion this year is Iga Świątek. At 22 years old, she claimed her first US Open title in 2022, triumphing in straight sets. She now seeks to add to her four Grand Slam victories, including her recent win at Roland-Garros in May.
Fellow Testimonee Carlos Alcaraz also aims to defend his title. He secured the men’s singles crown and his inaugural Grand Slam victory at last year’s tournament, becoming the youngest-ever World No. 1 at just 19 years old. Entering the 2023 US Open in top form, thanks to his recent win at The Championships, Wimbledon, he now holds two Grand Slam titles.
Reflecting on his remarkable experience at the 2022 US Open, Carlos Alcaraz said, “I never thought that I was going to achieve something like that at 19 years old. Everything came so fast. For me, it’s unbelievable and something that I had always dreamt of since I was a kid. It means so much to have lots of people supporting me in New York. During Grand Slam tournaments, there are so many tough moments, but the fans at the US Open have always been there for me, believing in me and supporting me. When I finished my semi-final against Jannik Sinner last year, they were supporting me until the final point at 03:00am.”
The list of Testimonees who have achieved greatness in the Big Apple includes Rod Laver (1962, 1969), Stefan Edberg (1991, 1992), Pat Rafter (1997, 1998), Justine Henin (2003, 2007), Roger Federer (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008), Juan Martín del Potro (2009), Angelique Kerber (2016), Sloane Stephens (2017), Bianca Andreescu (2019), and Dominic Thiem (2020).
The US Open stands out as one of the most thrilling sporting events globally. It consistently draws a passionate crowd, eagerly anticipated by both players and spectators alike. The Arthur Ashe Stadium, with its seating capacity of 23,700, the largest in Grand Slam tennis, creates an electric atmosphere during major matches. This intense environment has become a defining characteristic of the US Open, with many matches taking place in the evening amidst the sizzling New York summer. Players draw energy and adapt to the tumultuous surroundings with the enthusiastic support from the stands.
The tournament boasts a rich history, initially starting in April 1981 on grass courts at the Newport Casino in Newport, Rhode Island, now home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. After relocating to the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, Queens, the US Open transitioned to clay courts in 1975 before settling at its current home on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows in 1978. In 1973, it was the first of the four Grand Slam tournaments to offer equal prize money for men and women, pioneering a more equitable future for the sport.
For Rolex, a tennis match symbolizes a unique duel, pitting opponents on either side of the net who become essential partners in the pursuit of excellence, pushing themselves and each other to new heights. Rolex’s association with the US Open is part of a long-standing relationship with tennis, which began at Wimbledon in 1978. Rolex’s presence in the sport has expanded across all levels, partnering with all four Grand Slam tournaments and collaborating with various organizations, players, and premium events in both men’s and women’s tours. Rolex also contributes to the development of tennis by supporting young talent and iconic athletes who have added glamour and greatness to the sport.
