From Tennis Now | @TennisNow | Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Photo: Rolex
When the champions play for history at Rod Laver Arena this month, history will be looking over their shoulders.
The 2025 Australian Open marks a double celebration for the legends Manufacturer of rocket rods.
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The only champion in history to win the calendar Grand Slam as an amateur and again as a professional, Laver will be a busy man during the AO fortnight.
It marks the 25th anniversary of the renaming of the Australian Open’s center court Rod Laver Arena and it is the 65th anniversary of the Rockhampton Rocket winning his first major at the 1960 Australian Open.
Laver, who was on hand for Jannik Sinner’s The first major breakthrough in Melbourne last year, he went on to capture 11 Grand Slam championships.
Rolex, which became the Official Timekeeper of the Australian Open in 2008, shared these images of Laver.
“Having Rolex part of the Australian Open is important for tennis and for our place on the global stage,” said Laver. “It’s a partnership that I’ve seen flourish over many years.
“I feel honored that Australia has recognized my achievements in tennis by putting my name on that big beautiful stadium. It’s a great feeling to know that through this arena, the legacy of my career continues in the sport today.”
Like the legendary Laver, defending Australian Open champion Jannik the Sinner is a red-haired, explosive shooter.
Fresh off his run to the ATP Finals and leading Italy to its second consecutive Davis Cup championship, Sinner said he is ready to return to Oz.
“Every season has its own story and you never know what’s going to happen, but for us, it always starts in Australia, which I’m very happy about,” Sinner said. “I always feel good playing at Melbourne Park. I really love the people and the fans – there’s a great energy.”
