Swiss watchmaker Rolex has been unveiled as an official sponsor of the US Open Grand Slam tennis tournament.
Rolex will serve as the official timekeeper and official timepiece of the event, the 2018 edition of which takes place in New York from August 27 to September 9.
During this year’s tournament, Rolex timepieces and clocks will be placed throughout the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, including the signature clock on the façade of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Rolex will also sponsor the Cincinnati Masters, meaning it now holds partnerships with each of the nine Masters Series events.
Rolex’s multi-year deal with the United States Tennis Association will see it support the USTA National Campus at Lake Nona in Orlando, along with USTA Foundation initiatives.
Rolex will replace Japanese manufacturer Citizen as the US Open’s official timekeeper and official timepiece. Business news website Forbes noted that Citizen, a long-time partner, has opted out of its current contract three years early, having recently partnered with Walt Disney World Resort and the ‘Marvel Minute’ series.
The 2018 US Open will mark the 50th edition of the grand slam. Rafael Nadal and Sloane Stephens (pictured) are the reigning singles champions. Rolex holds existing partnerships with the US Open’s fellow grand slams Wimbledon and the Australian Open.