Rolex Testimonees continue to push the boundaries of performance and endeavour on court

Marathon five set thriller

For the first time since 1984, this year’s Roland-Garros saw the World No. 1 and No. 2 ranked players meet in both the men’s and women’s singles finals.

Rolex Testimonees Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz sensationally claimed the Roland-Garros 2025 singles titles. Alcaraz’s rivalry with Jannik Sinner reached record-breaking heights on Sunday 8 June, when they contested their eagerly anticipated first Grand Slam® final. They pushed each other to the limits physically and emotionally, taking the sport to another level over five sets, while maintaining an extraordinary sense of fair play throughout. After several shifts in momentum which will be reflected on for many years to come, Alcaraz ultimately came from two sets down and saved three championship points to prevail 4–6, 6–7 (4), 6–4, 7–6 (3), 7–6 (10–2) in 5 hours and 29 minutes. This was the longest Roland-Garros final in history and the second longest Grand Slam® final since the Open Era began.

After clinching the championship tie-break, Alcaraz dropped to the ground, before warmly embracing his fellow Rolex Testimonee. During the prize-giving ceremony, Alcaraz addressed Sinner directly: ”Jannik, it is an amazing level you have. I know how hard you are chasing this tournament and every tournament. It is a privilege to share the court with you and make history together. You are an inspiration.” Turning to the crowd, he continued: “This tournament is so special to me, and I cannot wait to come back year after year.”

Gauf reigns supreme

On the Saturday, Gauff orchestrated a hard-fought journey to the women’s crown. The 21-year-old navigated the challenging conditions with resilience, composure and steadfast determination, coming back from a set down to seal a 6–7, 6–2, 6–4 victory on Court Philippe-Chatrier. It is here, on this storied stage, that champions are forged and where Rolex proudly upholds its enduring partnership with the sport for almost half a century. The weight of the moment was conveyed in the American’s reaction after the match. Gauff, who joined the Rolex family in 2019 and is now a two-time Grand Slam® champion, said: “I want to thank my team. You are always pushing me. You guys are the reason I do this and inspire me more than anything. I don’t know what I did to deserve so much love from the French crowd but… merci beaucoup.”

Rolex Testimonees show determination 

This was a Grand Slam® tournament marked by spectacular displays from the Rolex Testimonees, notably Alcaraz’s fourth round encounter with Ben Shelton, which earned the Spaniard his 100th clay-court win. Holger Rune also showcased his prowess on the surface by reaching the fourth round and rising star João Fonseca drew enormous crowds in his electrifying main draw debut. The depth of women’s talent shone through, with many of the game’s leading players making the latter stages. Building on her gold-medal winning run at Stade Roland-Garros last summer, Qinwen Zheng secured a quarter-final place, while 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva became the youngest player this century to reach back-to-back quarter-finals.

Four-time Roland-Garros champion, Iga Świątek demonstrated skill and fighting spirit under pressure to claim a 26th successive victory at Roland-Garros en route to the semi-finals. This milestone represents the second longest winning streak by a woman in the Open Era; only fellow Rolex Testimonee and Queen of Clay Chris Evert has achieved more, with 29. The Rolex family have long led the journey to glory at Roland- Garros, with icons such as Björn Borg, Roger Federer and Justine Henin, joining Evert and Świątek in leaving an indelible mark on the tournament’s history. Through their achievements, they embody the timeless ethos of Rolex and the essence of Roland- Garros.

Rolex and Tennis

Evert, a Rolex Testimonee and 18-time Grand Slam® champion, says: “Tennis has always been a great sport, but Rolex helps to elevate it even more. I love the loyalty that Rolex has to the legends of the game and that the brand is such a great supporter of men’s and women’s tennis. They value women as much as men, and for me as a woman that’s very important. Rolex mirrors the Grand Slams with excellence and in everything they do.”

Rolex has become Official Timekeeper of all four Grand Slam® events: the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, The Championships, Wimbledon and the US Open. Champions are remembered not only for the victories earned but by the humility and determination with which they competed.