Game, Set, Match: EIC Kenneth Goh’s First-Hand Experience At The Championships, Wimbledon 2024
Editor-in-Chief Kenneth Goh travels to Wimbledon, the only Grand Slam tennis tournament in the world that is called by its postcode.
By Kenneth Goh - published
“From the very first time I walked out on court at The All England Club as a junior, I felt that Wimbledon was special. When you look around and see the Rolex crown, it gives you a familiar feeling, a sense of being at home. I remember saying that lifting the trophy was like holding the sun because it’s golden and was shining on that beautiful day in London. It feels extra heavy because of the weight of history that it carries,” said Roger Federer. This GOAT joined the Rolex family in 2001, and went on to forge an extraordinary career, winning a record eight Wimbledon singles titles and 20 Grand Slam tournaments in all.
Spectators on Henman Hill at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
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I was standing at the very same spot Federer stood in. Right on centre court, as I walked out from the royal enclosure for my brief 15 minutes of fame. I got the exclusive opportunity to visit Wimbledon with Rolex. This was the Swiss watchmaker’s first press trip to Wimbledon despite being a key sponsor of The Championships since 1978, and being part of the making of legends at this temple of tennis.
The pomp, pageantry and process of going to Wimbledon, walking through the great halls, seeing the players practise on the courts and getting an intimate glimpse of all the workings of this finely tuned machine is inspiring. There is an incredible sense of history that surrounds you. It kind of brought me back to my teenage years in London, when my dad took me to Wimbledon to watch a game with Steffi Graf playing against Chris Evert. I still remember walking in the grounds, the rich tones of green and purple that are the hallmarks of Wimbledon contrasting against the pure whites the players wore on court.
Spectators’ view of the court at Wimbledon 2024.
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Some things have changed—the enormous digital screens within the enclosure, the dining/shopping/drinking venues in every direction that you turn. But the mood and feel has not. The players are still dressed in white, with nary an obnoxious logo in sight. Audiences in the royal box and in the most visible parts of the arenas are all dressed in suits for the men and dresses for the ladies.
The strict dress code applies to most and it certainly helps to keep Wimbledon looking smart and well turned out. I was fortunate enough to be hosted by Rolex throughout my stay in Wimbledon, and part of the experience included a beautiful luncheon and a chance to meet some sporting greats. The highlight was a surprise visit by Tudor ambassador, David Beckham, who spent an afternoon lunch with us and gamely took photos with everyone at the Rolex lounge. But it was the real sporting challenges that were happening outside that we came for.
Kenneth Goh with David Beckham.
Over the course of two days, we were treated to a spectacular showing of some of tennis’ finest stars. I caught Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, Emma Raducanu, Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner and Naomi Osaka on court. It was such a joy seeing them play on the major courts—the force, concentration, determination, grit and perseverance was of an entirely different level.
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As I left the hallowed grounds of this special sporting arena, it was wonderful that I caught Alcaraz, the eventual winner, in all his glory. We saw him practising on the outside courts, his skill and lithe young body hitting ball after ball with immaculate precision. On Sunday, 14 July, Alcaraz soared to victory, securing a second consecutive gentlemen’s singles title.
A captivated 15,000-strong crowd watched on Centre Court as the young Spaniard demonstrated his immense talent and courageous spirit to take victory, 6–2, 6–2, 7–6, in 2 hours and 21 minutes, beating another GOAT in the process, Novak Djokovic. In winning his fourth Grand Slam title, the 21-year-old Rolex Testimonee has achieved the Roland-Garros-Wimbledon double, famously one of the most challenging feats in professional tennis, requiring players to successfully transition from clay to grass in just a few weeks.
Carlos Alcaraz holding up his trophy at The Championships, Wimbledon 2024.
In a nod to the sporting legends before him, Alcaraz had this to say, “First of all being with the Rolex family is a blessing for me, so trying to follow Roger Federer’s steps here at Wimbledon alongside Rolex is an amazing feeling. Right now, it is time to keep going and try to keep following in his footsteps. For me, this is the most beautiful tournament, the most beautiful court, and most beautiful trophy.”