Nick Gould
The 2021 Australian Open is edging towards its climax in Melbourne after the players and their respective teams completed a mandatory two weeks of quarantine. It’s been controversial. It’s been far from ideal, with a 5-day statewide lockdown intervening mid-comp until just yesterday. But it’s been on. And that’s what matters. ?In this post-COVID era it’s borderline miraculous to see a major sporting tournament being held, and how brilliant it was to see spectators back in the stands for games.And where there are tennis players, there are watches.?As you would be aware, some of the players have agreements in place with various watchmakers, with some wearing their watches while playing and the majority popping a timepiece on their wrist after a match or for press conferences.Four players wear timepieces while playing and these watches are visible at all times while they are on the court.? Rafael Nadal, the 20 time grand slam champion is the most notable, with his specially designed Richard Mille RM 27-04 Tourbillon, which is able to withstand the Spainards' brutal groundstrokes. Nadal was knocked out in the quarter finals, after an epic 5 set match against Stefanos Tsitsipas.?MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 17: Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day 10 of the 2021 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 17, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Image has been altered. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)American Serena Williams, the 23 time Grand Slam winner is a friend of Audemars Piguet and has regularly sported a different timepiece on her wrist over the years.? For the 2021 season, she has worn a black dial Royal Oak Offshore Diver on rubber strap.? Interestingly instead of wearing on her usual left wrist, she has switched to wearing it on the right wrist.Serena Williams of the US takes off her ring while playing against Romania’s Simona Halep during their women’s singles quarter-final match on day nine of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 16, 2021. Image has been altered. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)FP Journe is the sponsor of Donna Vekic, who was seeded 28 for the Open. She always plays with a F.P Journe Elegante with a diamond bezel on a pink strap, worn on her left wrist.MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 15: Donna Vekic of Croatia reacts in her Women’s Singles fourth round match against Jennifer Brady of the United States during day eight of the 2021 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 15, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Image has been altered. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)Naomi Osaka is the current World no 3 in the WTA, and recently signed a sponsorship agreement with TAG Heuer. She has been wearing a ladies Aquaracer on a blue rubber strap while playing.?Image has been altered. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)The remainder of the players featured, regularly pop on their watches after a match or at a press conference for maximum wrist exposure time. We will focus on them in a follow up story tomorrow – when the finals begin!
19.02.21