Every year, on the first Monday in March, World Tennis Day is celebrated. On this day, people are encouraged to take up the sport and learn about its rich history. Over the years, tennis has transcended into one of the most popular sports in the world. Millions of fans watch each tournament, no matter how big or small. When watching tennis, some eagle-eyed viewers may notice that watch brands tend to sponsor both events and players; with Rolex, Tag Heuer and RADO being some of the most notable. We have curated this guide of watches for World Tennis Day which includes collaborations, themed timepieces, and watches that have been worn by some players. So if you have a true passion for tennis, and want to wear a watch that has strong associations with the sport, keep reading.
History of World Tennis Day
The origins of tennis go all the way back to 12th Century France. During this time, monks had developed a handball game called “paume”. Later, instead of hitting the ball with the hand, gloves were used. These gloves, in time, would turn into racquets. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, the game became popular amongst people of royalty. In fact, in the 1530s King Henry VIII built a tennis court at his Hampton Court Palace residence. Over 300 years later, the United States held its first lawn tennis tournament and the birth of tennis, as we know it, occurred. Since then, the game has only continued to grow in popularity, and it is now the fourth most popular sport in the world!
The first World Tennis Day was celebrated in March 2013, when the event was established through the efforts of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). StarGames was also involved in promoting the launch of the day. The inaugural World Tennis Day started as a way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the International Tennis Federation and it has been an annual event ever since.
The purpose of World Tennis Day is to bring focus to the sport. Whether it is through various events or media coverage, anything that shines a light on tennis is perfect! World Tennis Day can be celebrated in numerous ways. You can get involved and play a few games with friends or even attend one of the many events that the ITF organise specifically for this day. However, you celebrate is completely up to yourself; the most important thing is that you’re giving the sport the recognition it deserves.
Watches for World Tennis Day: Our Recommendations
RADO Captain Cook x Cameron Norrie Limited Edition (42mm) Green Dial / Stainless Steel (823 Pieces) R32149318
This limited edition model was created in collaboration with British tennis player, Cameron Norrie. Reminiscent of a tennis ball, the model features a green gradient fumé dial. Continuing with the tennis-themed easter eggs, the 12, 3, 6 and 8 o’clock positions have tennis ball-shaped markers on the flange. In addition to this, luminescent hands and indices adorn the dial. Adopting the true Captain Cook style, the indices at the four principal placements exhibit a slightly larger design. Framing the dial is a 42mm stainless steel case and a ridged green bezel. To add to this, an anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects the dial; proving both great durability and clarity. Securing the watch to the wrist is a stainless steel bracelet, however a black leather strap and black and white NATO-style textile strap are also included in this collaboration.
Powering the watch is a Rado calibre R763, an automatic movement that delivers an impressive 80-hour power reserve. As well as this, the model has a water resistance of 300 metres, so it is perfect for day-to-day wear. A green leather pouch adorned with Norrie’s signature, alongside a limited edition certificate are the final additions to this watch. There are only 823 pieces available worldwide, so make sure if you want to wear one for World Tennis Day you purchase it quick!
RADO True Square x Ash Barty Limited Edition Automatic (38mm) Mother-of-Pearl Dial / Pink Leather Strap R27123905
This limited edition watch was created in collaboration with the former world number one women’s tennis player, Ash Barty. Standing out with its unique 38mm square-shaped case, this watch is the perfect piece to take its wearer from day to night attire. A white mother-of-pearl dial with rose gold-coloured applied indices adds to the watch’s luxurious feel. The cut-out detail, below the 12 o’clock position, not only adds intrigue to the watch but it also exposes the movement within that powers the timepiece. A subtle but nonetheless important detail, a small rose gold-tone tennis ball features just under the centre of the dial. Protecting the pretty in pink dial is a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. In addition, sapphire crystal protects the open case back and for a personalised element, Ash’s signature is digitally printed on it.
A light pink leather strap secures the sporty timepiece to the wrist. The strap fastens with a rose gold PVD-plated stainless steel clasp, so security is great. Powering the watch is a Rado 03.734.331 calibre, an automatic movement that delivers an impressive 80-hour power reserve. As well as this, the watch has a water resistance of 50 metres, so it is both suitable and practical for daily wear. Why not take inspiration from Ash and wear her feminine watch to celebrate World Tennis Day?
Radley Women’s Wimbledon Park Gold Tone Mesh Strap RY4628
Inspired by London’s tennis championships, this watch brings style to sports. Embodying the fun and playful designs they became famous for, this Radley watch exhibits a decorative green dial. Adorning the dial are gold-tone indices as well as gold-tone hour, minute and second hands. Just above the 6 o’clock position, Radley’s iconic jumping Scottie dog mascot can be seen in his tennis whites. Surrounding the dial is a 35mm gold-tone metal case. A gold-tone steel mesh bracelet with slider fastening secures the watch. Not only does it provide comfort to the wearer but it also adds elements of class to the distinctive watch.
Easily recognisable and sure to grab the eye of anyone, wear this Radley watch on the 4th of March and you’ll truly feel like a winner!
Lacoste Men’s Vienna | Blue Dial | Grey Plated Bracelet 2011191
While Lacoste is best known for its tennis-style polo shirts, the brand also produces a range of high-quality timepieces. This watch, from the men’s Vienna collection, showcases exactly that. The model features a dark blue dial with grey hands and indices at the Lacoste crocodile at the 3 o’clock position. Additionally, the dial features minute and seconds indices for precise timekeeping. The dial is framed by a 42mm grey-plated stainless steel case and is protected by a mineral crystal. Mineral glass is relatively durable, so the watch is great for daily wear. Securing the watch to the wrist a grey PVD-plated stainless steel bracelet. Powered by a precise and dependable quartz movement, the watch boasts a water resistance of 50 metres.
Thanks to its high-performing and reliable nature you can wear the watch for this World Tennis Day and more to come. Moreover, its classic tennis style means you can incorporate the watch into everyday styling.
LONGINES LEGEND DIVER 42mm Stainless Steel Mesh L37744506
Worn by wheelchair tennis star Dylan Alcott, in his final outing of the Australian Open 2022, this Longines Legend Diver occupies a special place in the brand’s Heritage collection. For a stylish, retro look the black lacquered dial has a polished finish. The dial is adorned with silver-polished hands and painted Arabic numeral indices which are filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with several layers of anti-reflective coating on the underside protects the dial. So both the clarity and durability levels of the watch are great. Amongst the fantastic features on the watch are a screw-down case back, a screw-in crown and an internal diving flange. Adding a modern touch to this 1960s relaunch, a stainless steel mesh bracelet secures the watch.
Powering the watch is a Longines L888 calibre, an automatic movement with an impressive 72-hour power reserve. To add to this, the watch is water resistant up to 300 metres. While you don’t necessarily pair Longines and Tennis together, their partnerships prove to be a huge success. Over the next couple of years, we should expect to see their paths cross further and hopefully celebrate their work in future World Tennis Days.
What did you think of our guide on watches for World Tennis Day? Will you be wearing one during your celebrations? Let us know in the comments!
