Jannik Sinner to Make History as First Italian to Open Wimbledon on Centre Court

Historic Opening Match at Wimbledon

London, England - June 24: Competing in the inaugural match on Centre Court at Wimbledon is a prestigious honor in the world of tennis. Next Monday, Jannik Sinner from Italy will make history as the first Italian player to achieve this milestone, following his victory in the gentlemen's singles title in 2025.

The 24-year-old's return to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) marks the beginning of another exciting fortnight of tennis, a tournament renowned for its excellence since its establishment in 1877, as noted in a recent press release.

"For me, to kick off the play on Centre Court will be an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere is unlike anything else found on tennis courts globally. I never imagined that I would be the one stepping onto that iconic lawn for the very first match of the championships," Sinner expressed.

Following Sinner, Iga Swiatek will take the court on day two, returning to the site of one of her most significant victories. The Rolex Testimonee's dedication and skill led her to become the first Polish player to win the Venus Rosewater Dish last year.

Reflecting on her remarkable achievement, Swiatek stated, "Winning the trophy was indescribable, as adapting my game to grass has been a long journey. I concentrated on improving my footwork, adopting a more aggressive court position, and trusting my instincts to play the ball early. Knowing that Rolex has been a vital part of Wimbledon's history made my victory even more meaningful. I am proud to carry on this legacy and thankful for the support they have shown me throughout my career."

Since Rolex began its association with tennis at Wimbledon in 1978, numerous members of the Rolex family have made a lasting impact on the sport's spiritual home. From Bjorn Borg and Chris Evert's innovative baseline strategies to Stefan Edberg and Pat Rafter's precise serve-and-volley techniques, and more recently, Roger Federer's elegant single-handed backhand, the tournament's legends have demonstrated their skills on grass while advancing the sport.

Borg reminisced about winning his first of five consecutive Wimbledon titles in 1976, saying, "It feels surreal that it has been 50 years since I claimed my first Wimbledon title. Back then, the grass courts were incredibly fast. I often aimed to play aggressively and come to the net, but I also learned to stay back at times. Once I figured out my game, I felt at ease on this surface. I learned when to approach the net and when to remain at the baseline, which contributed to my success at Wimbledon. That was a pivotal moment for me."

Now, half a century later, a new generation arrives in south-west London, eager to adapt their games and seize this prestigious title for the first time. The recently crowned Roland-Garros champion Mirra Andreeva joins Belinda Bencic, Coco Gauff, Maria Sakkari, and Qinwen Zheng in the ladies' singles draw, while fellow Rolex Testimonees João Fonseca, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Stefanos Tsitsipas are among those eyeing the gentlemen's singles trophy.

The tennis community will once again witness exceptional performances, with each moment contributing to Wimbledon's rich traditions that have been cultivated over 149 years.