Rolex served as the official timekeeper of the 2023 French Open. The outcome of the heated battle between the "Testimonees"

Rolex served as Premium Partner and Official Timekeeper of the French Open, an international tennis tournament held from May 28 to June 11, 2023. This tournament, the only one of the four Grand Slam tournaments to be played on clay courts, saw a fierce battle between tennis players who were "Testimonees" supported by Rolex.

Rolex has been associated with tennis' top tournaments since 1978

　Rolex first partnered with Wimbledon in 1978. Since then, it has built a special relationship with this internationally renowned sport, a history constantly renewing with new challenges, adventures and champions.

　Rolex also took over from Longines as a partner at the French Open in 2019, solidifying its support for each Grand Slam tournament.

　The 127th French Open tournament will take place from May 28, 2023, with Rolex serving as Premium Partner and Official Timekeeper.

　The French Open, held annually from May to June as the second Grand Slam tournament, dates back to 1891.

　Located in Porte d'Auteuil, west of Paris, the clay courts at Roland Garros allow the ball to bounce high, resulting in a slower pace of play, long and thrilling rallies that are physically and mentally demanding for players.

　Determination, perseverance and stamina are essential to winning the French Open, the only Grand Slam tournament played on clay.

　Rolex supports exceptionally talented artists and athletes by calling them "Testimonees," including many tennis players who excel on clay courts and have even won the French Open.

Iga Swiatek aims for her second consecutive title in the women's singles

　In 2023, Rolex Testimonee and world number one Iga Swiatek will be defending her title. She won her second title in 2022, beating Cori Gauff in two sets.

　Polish player Iga Świątek is following in the footsteps of Rolex's great athletes, such as Justine Henin (French Open champion in 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2007) and Chris Evert (French Open champion in 1974, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, and 1986), who holds the record for most titles at the tournament.

　When asked about her feelings about the French Open, Chris Evert said: "The French Open has always been like a second home to me. I grew up playing on clay courts, which suits my style, which is based on patience and discipline. When I watch women's tennis today, it seems faster and more aggressive. It's exciting to watch the sport evolve."

　Caroline Garcia, world number four and one of the most popular French players, also thrilled the crowd as she aimed for her first Grand Slam title.

Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas are aiming for their first men's singles titles

　On the ATP Tour (Association of Tennis Professionals), Rolex Testimonee Björn Borg has won the French Open men's singles title six times, with an astounding record of 49 wins and 2 losses.

　Carlos Alcaraz, the youngest player ever to reach world number one status, is also a Rolex Testimonee, aiming to follow in Borg's footsteps and win a new Grand Slam trophy after his victory at the 2022 US Open.

　Alcaraz showed glimpses of his talent on clay courts, reaching the quarterfinals at the French Open in 2022, and has had a strong start to 2023, winning the Argentina Open, Barcelona Open and Madrid Open.

　Ahead of the French Open, Carlos Alcaraz said: "I love coming to Paris because I've always dreamed of playing in such a big venue, in front of such a large crowd. I can't wait to play against the best players in the world and improve my brace. I want to do even better in the tournament than I did last year."

　Among the Rolex Testimonees, Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas was eager to win his first Grand Slam title, having already won four clay-court tournaments, two of which came at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.

　At the 2023 French Open, Iga Swiatek won her second consecutive women's singles title, while Novak Djokovic won the men's singles title, achieving the most Grand Slam wins in history with 23.

Rolex Testimonees who won the French Open

• Rod Laver (1962, 1969)
• Bjorn Borg (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981)
• Chris Evert (1974, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986)
• Jim Courier (1991, 1992)
• Justine Henin (2003, 2005, 2006, 2007)
• Ana Ivanovic (2008)
• Roger Federer (2009)
• Li Na (2011)
• Garbine Muguruza (2016)
• Iga Swiatek (2020, 2022, 2023)