The US Open, dating back to 1881, is one of the world's oldest tennis championships and concludes the season's fourth and final Grand Slam tournament. As part of its long-term commitment to the sport extending more than 40 years, Rolex has been the Official Timekeeper of the US Open since 2018.
The tournament has brought success to Rolex's Testimonees like Chris Evert, who reached her first semi-final at just 17. The American has won the women's singles title six times, securing victories at the Australian Open (twice), Roland-Garros (seven times), and The Championships, Wimbledon (three times). She is among the few champions to conquer all Grand Slam surfaces of her era.
The US Open, eagerly awaited by players and fans alike, unfolds at New York City's Arthur Ashe Stadium, with an imposing capacity of 23,700, the largest among Grand Slam venues. This arena transforms into a "lion's den" during major matches, embodying the electrifying atmosphere that defines the US Open. Numerous matches occur in the evening amidst the scorching New York summer ambience. This distinct aspect sets the US Open apart as players draw inspiration from the vibrant crowd energy and lively surroundings.
This historic tournament began in April 1981 at the Newport Casino in Newport, Rhode Island, now home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. After a move to the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, Queens, the US Open transitioned to clay courts in 1975 before settling at its present location on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows in 1978.
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In 1973, the US Open pioneered equal prize money for men and women, advancing equity in tennis. Rolex, linked with tennis since 1978 and starting at Wimbledon, sees tennis as a duel where rivals become partners in pursuing excellence, pushing each other to new heights. This enduring relationship aligns with tennis's global appeal and evolving history.
Rolex's presence in tennis has flourished at every level. The Swiss watchmaker partners with all four Grand Slam tournaments and collaborates with various organisations, players, premium events on men's and women's tours, and international team contests. Rolex also nurtures tennis' growth by supporting young talent and legendary athletes who have brought glamour and greatness to the sport.
Evert, 68, said about her affinity for the US Open: “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 will always stay with me.”
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Can you tell us about your relationship with Rolex? How did it come about, and what does it mean to you?
I’ve been a Rolex Testimonee for many years, which is a real privilege. We share many common values that relate to me, both during my playing career and now; the key is the quest for excellence and always striving for the best. I like that Rolex is timeless, hip yet elegant, dependable yet revered. Rolex is the epitome of what a watch should be and stand for.
What are your thoughts on Rolex's enduring support of tennis?
I see it as a perfect fit. What better way to enter the sport than through an initial partnership with Wimbledon, the most prestigious event in tennis history? Seeing the relationship grow as it has with Rolex, now the Official Timekeeper of all four Grand Slam tournaments, has been amazing to witness and participate in.
How do you align with Rolex’s perpetual quest for excellence in your career as a tennis player?
Rolex’s ethos of the quest for excellence rings well with me and my career. When I set out to be a tennis player, I didn’t know what was ahead, but every time I stepped onto the court, I was striving to be the best I could be on any given day. Following this path throughout my career led me to achieve things I could only have dreamed of. I can relate to a Rolex watch's consistency, efficiency, and longevity because those words describe my career.
During your career, you were ranked World Number One for 260 weeks and won 18 Grand Slam singles titles. What was your favourite Grand Slam tournament to play at, and why?
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This is such a tough question, partly because they all have special meanings to me. My first Wimbledon meant the most to me because, growing up, it was always perceived as the biggest and most prestigious Grand Slam tournament to win.
You dominated women’s tennis in the 1970s and 1980s. What was the secret to your success, and how did you remain motivated throughout your career?
I think it’s because of who I am as a person. I always wanted to strive for more, to get better. I wanted to put the hours in on the practice court to perform at the highest possible level on any given occasion. I also loved to win. Many aspects motivated me during my career, but this was one of them. That winning feeling can’t be recreated; as an athlete, it’s one of the best feelings.
What three qualities are most important to success on the tennis court?
This is a great question, as I think many different aspects can make a player succeed. It also depends on the individual player. Some things can work for some, and not so much for others. Some key ones are discipline, mental strength and physical fitness. All three are quite different, but without each, I think it can be hard to reach your highest level.
In 1995, you were unanimously elected as the fourth player into the International Tennis Hall of Fame by 185 sports journalists worldwide. In 1997, the International Tennis Federation honoured you with the Philippe Chatrier Award for your contributions to tennis. What do these achievements and recognition mean to you? How do you feel about them?
For me, being recognised in this way was a real honour and very special. You work so hard throughout your career on the court, doing the absolute most to achieve as much as you can and reach the goals you set, so to be later awarded an accolade such as this was very special. When you are playing, you almost don’t think about the legacy you might be leaving and moments like this make you almost sit back and take a moment to realise perhaps what your time on the court meant not only to yourself but the sport as a whole. It’s a special feeling.
You were one of the early baseline players celebrated for your consistency, mental fortitude and graceful style. How do you compare the game today to your playing era, and what changes have you observed since retiring in 1989?
I think, naturally, the game has developed as it always does. There are changes, growth and adaptations in many elements, from equipment to sports scientific research to tactical progressions. I could go on. However, the fundamental concept of tennis is very much the same. You see shades of older play styles in some players and very differing styles in others. That’s one of the reasons why tennis is so fascinating to watch; nothing is ever the same, and the game is constantly developing.
You secured victory at the US Open six times, maintaining your champion status from 1975 to 1978 and reclaiming it in 1980 and 1982. What was it about playing in New York that consistently brought out the best in your abilities?
Playing at home was always 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 will always stay with me. We’d travel so much throughout the year, so returning to the US at that point in the season always made me feel at home and at ease with my game. Having so many memories on those courts almost gave me an extra push every time I stepped out onto them.
Having been a player and commentator at the US Open, have you noticed any differences or changes at the Grand Slam?
Of course. Almost every time you come back to a Grand Slam tournament, something has changed, whether that’s the facilities, the court, the weather that year, the game styles, the competitors or the media components. Despite the US Open occurring yearly, it’s different in some ways. I like that aspect as it keeps it exciting!
We have seen the formidable rise of talented young Americans, including Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff. Who should we watch out for at the 2023 US Open?
It’s great to see so many young Americans doing well. Both Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff, who happen to be fellow Rolex Testimonees, have had some big wins throughout the calendar years and are ones to watch on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. Not every player is lucky enough to have a home slam, so there’s always something special about a player playing in one.
Arthur Ashe Stadium, known for its electric atmosphere and the largest seating capacity in tennis, poses a unique challenge for athletes. How do you maintain composure on the court amidst the noise and fan energy as a professional?
I think this is something that comes with experience and practice. It’s not a normal scenario for anyone; it’s incredible and something you need to be able to balance as an athlete. The more you can play in those big matches, the more you learn to stay composed and focus on the task. If you can learn to keep composure in those situations, it will lead you to achieve great things on the court.
