Sports

Tennis is a sport known for its intense physical demands, so it’s not often associated with longevity. However, many players have defied expectations, continuing to compete at the highest level well into their 30s and even 40s. Some have managed to stay in the game longer than most, demonstrating not just physical endurance, but mental toughness, passion, and an unrelenting drive to push their limits. In this list, we’ll explore the 17 oldest tennis players ever to grace the courts, highlighting their incredible achievements and what kept them playing long after many of their peers had retired. Their stories serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of these tennis legends.

Martina Navratilova

Age: 67 (born October 18, 1956)
A tennis legend, Martina Navratilova is one of the oldest players to ever compete at the highest level. She turned professional in 1975 and maintained a fierce competitive spirit well into her 40s. Despite retiring from singles play in 1994, she made an impressive return to doubles and mixed doubles events in the early 2000s. Navratilova’s longevity is reflected in her 18 Grand Slam singles titles, and she continues to be a respected figure in tennis. Her passion for the sport never waned, and she even played competitively as late as 2006. At the age of 50, she became the oldest player to compete in a Grand Slam event. Her incredible career and contributions to tennis make her one of the most enduring figures in the sport

Jimmy Connors

Age: 71 (born September 2, 1952)
Jimmy Connors is an iconic figure in tennis, holding the record for the most ATP singles titles, with 109 to his name. Known for his intense personality and fiery demeanor, Connors played professionally for over 25 years. He retired in 1996, but like many greats, Connors made occasional comebacks, playing in the senior circuit well into his 40s. His last Grand Slam singles match was in 1992, but he continued to make appearances in exhibitions until 2006. Even as he aged, Connors maintained his aggressive style, often playing with the same intensity as he had in his prime. At 39, he was still able to outlast younger competitors in several ATP events. His longevity in the sport is a testament to his unyielding dedication and competitive nature.

Venus Williams

Age: 44 (born June 17, 1980)
Venus Williams has defied the odds by competing at the top level of tennis well into her 40s. Her first Grand Slam title came in 2000, and she was one of the dominant figures in women’s tennis for much of the early 2000s. Even as she approached her 40s, Williams continued to perform on the WTA circuit, showing impressive resilience. In 2017, at age 37, she reached her first Grand Slam final in nearly a decade at Wimbledon. Throughout her career, Williams has demonstrated an extraordinary combination of athleticism and grace, earning seven Grand Slam singles titles. Her longevity in the sport is attributed to her intense work ethic and adaptability. Despite her age, Venus still participates in major events, inspiring younger generations with her commitment and passion.

Serena Williams

Age: 43 (born September 26, 1981)
Serena Williams is one of the most successful and enduring athletes in tennis history. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, she holds the most major singles titles by any player in the Open Era. Even after becoming a mother, she made remarkable comebacks, showcasing her drive and determination. Her last major win came at the Australian Open in 2017, but she has continued to compete at the highest level into her 40s. In 2022, she announced her retirement from singles competition, leaving behind an unmatched legacy in the sport. Williams’ powerful serve and athleticism have made her a force to reckon with, even in her later years. Her influence on tennis is unparalleled, and she remains an icon for athletes around the world.

Ken Rosewall

Age: 89 (born November 2, 1934)
Ken Rosewall holds a unique place in tennis history, having competed professionally for over three decades. His career began in the 1950s, and he continued to play into the 1970s, winning his last Grand Slam title at the age of 45. Known for his smooth backhand and exceptional longevity, Rosewall won 8 Grand Slam singles titles, the last of which came at the 1972 Australian Open. Remarkably, he competed in his final professional match at 45, which is an extraordinary feat for a tennis player. His resilience and skill allowed him to remain competitive with younger players for decades. Rosewall’s determination to continue playing well into his 40s was a true testament to his fitness and mental fortitude. His career longevity is legendary, making him one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Roger Federer

Age: 43 (born August 8, 1981)
Roger Federer, often regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, retired from professional tennis in 2022 after a career spanning over two decades. Federer’s graceful playing style and versatile skill set earned him 20 Grand Slam singles titles. Throughout his career, he faced fierce competition from rivals like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, yet he consistently remained at the top of the game. Even in his 40s, Federer continued to participate in ATP events, though injuries began to affect his performance in the later stages of his career. His last major victory came at the Australian Open in 2018, and his final match was at the 2022 Laver Cup. Federer’s retirement marked the end of an era in tennis, but his impact on the sport remains immense. His style, poise, and ability to adapt over time made him an enduring legend.

Andres Gimeno

Age: 82 (born August 3, 1937)
Andres Gimeno is remembered as one of Spain’s finest tennis players, winning his only Grand Slam singles title at the age of 34. He competed professionally for several years, making his mark in the late 1960s and 1970s. Gimeno’s triumph at the 1972 French Open came as a surprise, making him the oldest player to win a major singles title at the time. Even as he got older, he continued to compete in doubles, demonstrating his resilience and adaptability. Known for his strong forehand and tactical intelligence, Gimeno became a prominent figure in Spanish tennis. He retired from professional tennis in the mid-1970s, but his career continued to inspire future generations. His ability to play at a high level for so long remains an impressive achievement.

Tomáš Berdych

Age: 38 (born September 17, 1985)
Tomáš Berdych, a Czech tennis star known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play, was a consistent top-10 player for over a decade. Berdych made a notable impact in the early 2000s, reaching the 2010 Wimbledon final, where he lost to Rafael Nadal. Although his career slowed in his 30s due to injuries, Berdych made a successful return to the ATP Tour in 2019, continuing to compete at a high level well into his 30s. His resilience allowed him to remain competitive against younger players, and he played his last major match in 2019. Even after stepping back from full-time competition, Berdych remains involved in tennis exhibitions and coaching. His longevity in the sport serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining fitness and adaptability. Berdych’s strong performances in both singles and doubles have solidified his place in tennis history.

Cliff Drysdale

Age: 81 (born May 23, 1941)
Cliff Drysdale, a former top-ten player from South Africa, was one of the pioneers of the ATP Tour in the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his powerful serve and volley game, Drysdale reached a career-high world ranking of No. 4 in the early 1970s. His best Grand Slam performance came at the 1965 US Open, where he reached the final. After retiring from singles play, Drysdale continued his tennis career as a commentator and coach, keeping close ties to the sport. His involvement in shaping the early days of professional tennis earned him recognition as a key figure in its history. Even after stepping away from competitive play, Drysdale remained a beloved figure in tennis, appearing at exhibitions and senior tournaments. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the court, are still celebrated today.

Arthur Ashe

Age: 49 (born July 10, 1943 – died February 6, 1993)
Arthur Ashe was one of the most iconic tennis players of the 20th century, known not only for his groundbreaking achievements on the court but also for his advocacy off it. Ashe became the first African American to win a Grand Slam singles title, a milestone that changed the face of tennis. He retired from professional tennis in the early 1980s but continued to be involved in the sport as a commentator and coach. Despite being diagnosed with HIV in 1988, Ashe continued to inspire with his resilience. His advocacy work, particularly in fighting for racial equality and raising awareness about HIV, solidified his legacy. He passed away in 1993, but his influence on tennis and social justice continues to resonate today. Ashe’s legacy lives on in the Arthur Ashe Foundation, which focuses on health and education initiatives.

Andre Agassi

Age: 54 (born April 29, 1970)
One of tennis’ most successful and beloved figures, Andre Agassi was known for his aggressive baseline play and mental fortitude. Agassi retired from professional tennis in 2006, but even as he got older, he made several appearances on the senior tennis circuit. His career spanned 20 years, and he clinched 8 Grand Slam singles titles, becoming one of the sport’s greatest icons. Agassi’s dedication to fitness and skill allowed him to compete effectively well into his 30s. His unique comeback in 1999 after a series of personal struggles culminated in a victory at the French Open, demonstrating his resilience. Although his career officially ended at age 36, he still remains active in tennis-related projects, often sharing his insights with the next generation. His impact on the sport is still felt today.

Kimiko Date-Krumm

Age: 54 (born September 28, 1970)
Kimiko Date-Krumm made a sensational return to tennis in her 40s, defying the conventional limits of age in professional sports. Initially retiring from tennis in 1996 at the young age of 26, she came back to the WTA circuit in 2008. Her longevity in the sport is highlighted by her participation in several Grand Slam tournaments even in her 40s. Date-Krumm has a career that spans over three decades, and her determination to keep playing at the highest level is truly remarkable. Her fitness and speed on court were unaffected by her age, and she made several impressive runs at the Australian Open in her later years. Known for her graceful and tactical style, she became the oldest player to defeat a top-10 seed in 2013. Her return is an inspiring story of perseverance and love for the game.

Fabrice Santoro

Age: 51 (born December 9, 1972)
Fabrice Santoro was known for his unorthodox playing style, including his distinctive two-handed backhand and varied tactics. Although he retired in 2010, his longevity in the sport was remarkable for a player with such an unconventional game. Santoro’s career spanned 20 years, and he continued to play at a high level well into his late 30s. His ability to read the game and adapt to opponents allowed him to stay competitive even as the physical demands of tennis grew. Santoro was known for his incredible mental resilience, which allowed him to make deep runs at many major events, even in his later years. He holds the record for the most matches played in the Open Era, with over 1,200 career matches. Even after retiring, Santoro remains active in the tennis community as a commentator and coach.

Tommy Haas

Age: 45 (born April 3, 1978)
Tommy Haas is one of tennis’ most enduring figures, with a career that extended beyond the typical professional lifespan. Despite several serious injuries, including multiple surgeries on his shoulder, Haas returned to the tour multiple times. His comeback in 2012, at the age of 34, was particularly impressive, as he reached a career-high ranking of world No. 2. Haas continued to play in high-level ATP tournaments even after turning 40, proving his remarkable resilience. His last match was in 2018, when he retired officially at the age of 40. Known for his elegant serve and exceptional shot-making, Haas was a crowd favorite throughout his career. His ability to compete with younger players later in his career solidified his reputation as a true tennis warrior.

Ivo Karlovic

Age: 45 (born February 28, 1979)
Ivo Karlovic is famous for holding the record for the most aces in tennis history, thanks to his towering 6’11” frame and booming serve. He turned professional in 2000, and his serve-based game kept him competitive at the highest levels well into his 40s. Karlovic’s longevity was aided by his fitness and focus on preserving his serve, which remained a formidable weapon even as he aged. Although he retired in 2021, he continued to compete in ATP events at the age of 42. His remarkable ability to serve consistently and break records made him a unique figure in tennis. Throughout his career, Karlovic’s battles against top players were often defined by his ability to dominate with his serve and force tie-breaks. He is widely regarded as one of the hardest servers the sport has ever seen.

Evonne Goolagong Cawley

Age: 72 (born July 31, 1951)
Evonne Goolagong Cawley, one of Australia’s most revered tennis players, achieved tremendous success during the 1970s and 1980s. Though she retired from singles play in 1983, her legacy continues to inspire athletes, particularly in her home country. Goolagong Cawley, who won 7 Grand Slam singles titles, made a remarkable return to the sport in her 40s, playing in the senior circuit. Despite the demands of family life, she remained active in tennis through exhibitions and charity matches. She became one of the oldest players to compete in a major Grand Slam event in the early 2000s. Known for her grace on and off the court, she was a symbol of sportsmanship and perseverance. Her influence continues to reverberate throughout the sport, especially for young female tennis players.

Manuela Maleeva-Fragnière

Age: 52 (born July 14, 1972)
Manuela Maleeva-Fragnière, a Swiss tennis player who played during the 1980s and 1990s, remained a competitive force in tennis well into her 40s. Known for her consistency and strong baseline game, she achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 3 in singles. After retiring from full-time tennis, Maleeva-Fragnière returned to the sport in the senior circuit. She maintained a keen interest in tennis, often competing in exhibition matches and contributing to the growth of women’s tennis. Even in her 40s, she continued to stay active in the sport, helping train younger players and working with charitable organizations. Her ability to stay competitive after retirement made her one of the most enduring figures in Swiss tennis. Today, Maleeva-Fragnière is remembered for her contributions to the game and her influence on the tennis world.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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