With top players also acting as brand ambassadors, the tournament has become a stage for craftsmanship, personality, and prestige. In 2026, the courts of Melbourne Park once again delivered not only world‑class tennis, but a display of horological sophistication — a reminder that, in this sport, the wrists compete almost as fiercely as the athletes themselves.

Rolex’s presence at the Australian Open is practically tradition, given its role as the tournament’s official timekeeper. This year, however, each of the brand’s ambassadors brought a distinct character to the court. Jannik Sinner wore a vibrant Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41, a choice that reflected his youthful energy and sharp, aggressive baseline play. Its lacquered dial and lively colour palette subtly underscored his rising‑star status — modern, confident, and unafraid to stand out.

Carlos Alcaraz chose the iconic Rolex Daytona, a model synonymous with speed and precision. Its racing heritage mirrors his explosive movement and fast‑twitch style of play. With a ceramic bezel and high‑performance calibre, the Daytona feels like a natural extension of Alcaraz’s dynamic presence on court — technical, powerful, and built for decisive moments.

Roger Federer appeared with a Rolex Sky‑Dweller, a watch that blends complexity with elegance. Its dual‑time display and annual calendar suit Federer’s life as a perpetual globetrotter, while its refined design aligns seamlessly with his trademark effortlessness.

Alex de Minaur opted for the Gerald Charles GC Sport, featuring a tennis‑ball‑inspired dial with neon green accents and a textured, felt‑like surface. Its lightweight case and ergonomic form make it ideal for an athlete in motion. The model uses the brand’s signature Maestro case — an asymmetrical, tonneau‑inspired design originally created by Gérald Genta — crafted from titanium for maximum comfort. The dial’s fluorescent green details and tactile finish reinforce its tennis‑themed identity. Inside, a high‑grade Swiss automatic movement delivers reliable performance with a power reserve of over 50 hours.

Aryna Sabalenka wore an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked, widely regarded as a masterpiece. Its openworked dial exposes the intricate architecture of the movement, framed by the Royal Oak’s unmistakable octagonal bezel. The skeletonised calibre showcases AP’s technical prowess, with every bridge and gear meticulously finished to catch the light. The combination of bold structure, visible complexity, and the instantly recognisable Royal Oak silhouette mirrors Sabalenka’s own presence on court — powerful, assured, and impossible to overlook.

Novak Djokovic’s watch choice surprised no one, as the Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Novak Djokovic GOAT Edition had already gone viral days before the tournament began. The watch features a full sapphire‑crystal case — a technically demanding construction requiring a single block of sapphire to be machined into the Big Bang’s complex, multi‑layered form. The result is near‑total transparency and exceptional scratch resistance. Measuring around 44 mm, the case maintains Hublot’s signature fusion aesthetic while significantly reducing weight. Inside, the HUB6035 manufacture movement — a self‑winding tourbillon calibre with a micro‑rotor at 12 o’clock — keeps the tourbillon at 6 o’clock fully visible. The movement runs at 3 Hz and offers a 72‑hour power reserve.

De Bethune’s appearance at the tournament was an unexpected delight. Lorenzo Musetti, Jessica Pegula, and Tommy Paul each wore variations of the brand’s futuristic DB28 and DB27 models — watches renowned for their floating lugs, blued titanium components, and cosmic‑inspired aesthetics. These pieces are feats of engineering: ultra‑light, shock‑resistant, and visually unlike anything else seen in the sport. Their signature delta‑shaped bridges and mirror‑polished titanium surfaces catch the light in a way that feels almost otherworldly.