LONDON – Tennis legend and brand ambassador Roger Federer stopped by Rolex‘s Old Bond Street flagship Friday afternoon for a chat with fellow sportsman Vijay Amritraj on his retirement life, longstanding relationship with Rolex, and winner predictions on this year’s Wimbledon.
The Swiss star confessed that since retiring from the sport he has been getting better sleep at night, going on more trips with his family around the world, and being more committed to brand partners.
“Truthfully, it’s about finding the right balance with my life, with my family, my wife, making sure that everything works. For me, I think today that is my success and my foundation,” said Federer, who sported a Rolex Land-Dweller 40 for the occasion.
Roger Federer at Rolex Old Bond Street flagship
Dave Benett
“I still have partnerships, which honestly is fun working now with them together on a creative idea, whereas before, it’s more like, ‘okay, you have time, not really, but yes, let’s try make something work’” he added.
Federer has been an ambassador — or as Rolex prefers to put it a, testimonee — since 2001. He has worn watches from the brand at many of his career high points, and made great friends at the brand.
“It’s not just an ambassadorship. I feel like it’s much more than that. I hope that I brought Rolex even more into tennis with me being Swiss, and of course, Geneva being in my home country, Rolex is headquartered there. I always pop in, say hi to everybody. It’s a great relationship. I wish everybody to see the headquarters and see the watchmaking. It’s a very unique and special craft, which I truly admire,” he said.
Roger Federer and Vijay Amritraj at Rolex Old Bond Street flagship.
Dave Benett/Courtesy
During a Q&A sesson with the audience, Federer shared his prediction on who is likely to win this year’s Wimbledon.
One the men’s side, he is betting on Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, or Novak Djokovic, with Alcaraz slightly favored. As for women’s, Federer namechecked Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka and Barbora Krejčíková as strong contenders.
The chat took place at the ground floor of Rolex’s new location on Old Bond Street. Spanning 7,200 square feet, it was created in partnership with Watches of Switzerland. Previously home to Gucci and Versace, the space opened to the public in mid-March, and is one of the largest Rolex boutiques in Europe.