Time for Tennis

By Donna Rolando

THE GAME’S LUMINARIES, PAST AND PRESENT, SPORT LUXURY WRISTWATCHES WORTHY OF A FASHION GRAND SLAM.

Whether it’s the Australian Open, Wimbledon or any other Super Bowl of tennis, the diehard fans are all about the game, from the stats to the heroes, and we applaud their single-minded dedication. But there are also those among us—fashionistas, you know who you are—for whom a tennis tourney is also an exhibition of the most exquisite arm candy.

No matter their gender, play strategy, or country of origin, tennis players have long dazzled fans with watches they wear on and off the court. For trendsetters and -getters, Serena’s powerful backstroke is a reason to gaze wide-eyed at the wide screen for a closeup of her wrist. Big matches like Wimbledon can draw a million bucks’ worth of luxury timepieces. No wonder fans are watching the watches.

ROGER FEDERER:

This all-time great, affectionately known as King Roger, is world ambassador for the watch that’s synonymous with his Swiss homeland—Rolex. Cover your ears, fashion lovers: This 20-time Grand Slam champ loves Rolex not so much for the status as for memories of where they’ve been together. Rolex was there when he broke Pete Sampras’ all-time Grand Slam record at Wimbledon in 2009. His choice then: Datejust II silver blue Arabic Ref. 116334. “When I was finally able to lift the trophy, I was wearing my Rolex on my wrist,” recalls the 39-year-old legend. With an annual income of more than $100 million, Federer has built some Rolex collection. A newer model, associated with his eighth Wimbledon win in 2017, is the Rolex Datejust 41-millimeter (pictured here) in steel and yellow gold. Its automatic 3235 movement packs a 70-hour power reserve, so Federer can keep his mind on the game.

CAROLINE WOZNIACKI:

Now 30, this Danish champ realized her dream when she claimed her first Grand Slam title in 2018 at the Aussie Open, and she has the enormous prize to prove it. Not only did the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Trophy (Daphne for short) get its own plane seat and pillow, but Wozniacki gave it a hug. Giving the award ceremony a bit of the red carpet, she came decked with diamonds, showing her soft spot for fine jewelry. Most memorable had to be the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116576TBR with its pavé diamond dial, baguette-cut diamond bezel and blue dials. On the awards night she was heard to observe: “It’s a dream come true.” Could she have meant the watch?

ANGELIQUE KERBER:

The legendary Rolex Cosmograph Daytona may have been born for racing, but it has won the hearts of tennis stars too. German player Angelique Kerber wore her Cosmograph (40 millimeters) to accept the coveted Rosewater Dish to mark her 2018 Wimbledon win. The 33-year-old’s Cosmograph is a combo of high tech and sleek beauty with its Oyster steel and white dial. All those numbers on the bezel are a tachymetric scale—how else can race-car drivers measure speeds up to 400 miles? For a tennis champ, it also may come in handy. Who knows how fast former world No. 1 champ Kerber moves for her winning shot?

ANDRE AGASSI:

Dubbed “The Kid of Las Vegas,” this now-retired pro player has served as ambassador for Swiss brand Longines for more than 10 years. Theirs is a partnership of similarities: Both are known for precision and timing, and both have a heart. The eight-time Grand Slam champ and 1996 Olympic gold medalist, age 51 this April, works with Longines to raise money for challenged U.S. school districts. Agassi’s belief: “Kids don’t fail; we fail them.” The watch he wore after winning the Gentlemen’s Singles Title at Wimbledon in 1992? From the Master Collection, it was a Longines with a black leather alligator strap and distinctive Roman numerals.

STEFFI GRAF:

This German former pro—winner of 22 Grand Slam singles titles—shares a passion for watches with her husband Andre. She too is a Longines ambassador; she’s pictured here with her Wimbledon trophy in 1992. The match proved a testament to the power of confidence as Graf defended her title against Monica Seles. “I knew I had it in me,” says Graf. “It had a lot to do with believing in myself.” Her watch of choice for Wimbledon, part of her successful image, is from the Longines Master Collection. Stylistically, this timepiece stands out for its silver barleycorn dial and blued steel hands teamed up with a stainlesssteel strap. Graf, who turns 52 this spring, was a winner even before her title.