However, that does not apply to Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic!
OH. MINE. NOVAK. DJOKOVIC.#RolandGarros https://t.co/Eg3siUds3i pic.twitter.com/8ijEE52CU8
— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) June 6, 2025
For these legends, turning 38 became a new chapter in redefining what longevity really means. What makes the story even more interesting, they did so in strikingly different ways.
What has been a constant is their ability to leave much younger opponents behind them in the ATP rankings and present their A-game on the most high-profile scenes.
Federer’s 2019 season was built on rhythm, volume and brilliance. The Swiss Maestro amassed an astonishing record of 53-10, captured four ATP titles and finished in the top-3 behind Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
The 38-year-old remained a force on all surfaces. He reached the semi-finals of Roland Garros and was one point away from winning his ninth Wimbledon trophy in that epic final against Djokovic.
The Serbian prevailed and kept the Swiss away from his 21st Major trophy just weeks before he turned 38. Roger fell to Grigor Dimitrov in the quarterfinals of the US Open.
Federer lost the Indian Wells final to Dominic Thiem before returning to Miami. The veteran lifted a trophy and became the oldest Masters 1000 champion, an achievement that still stands today.
Roger backed up those results with three ATP 500 crowns in Dubai, Halle and Basel, cementing his continued excellence and leaving the season with 103 ATP trophies on his CV.
Novak’s 2025 campaign offered a different perspective, but similar brilliance. With his body demanding careful management, the Belgrade native shortened his schedule and threw everything at Majors.
Djokovic has provided remarkable consistency across the biggest events. He reached all four major semifinals and finished the season in the top 4, behind Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev.
Novak’s 39-11 record includes two ATP 250 titles. The first, in May in Geneva, sent him to tennis Olympus, as he became the third player in the Open era with 100 ATP titles, joining Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.
Djokovic reached the Miami final and had a chance to become the oldest Masters 1000 champion. However, he fell 7-6, 7-6 to Jakub Mensik and failed to steal Federer’s record.
The Serbian also played well in Shanghai, reaching the last four and becoming the oldest semi-finalist of the Masters 1000. Physical problems ultimately cut his season short before Turin, but Novak didn’t care after winning an emotional title in Athens.
Together, Federer and Djokovic presented two versions of greatness at 38: one based on flow and abundance, and the other on precision and survival. The common characteristic: they were both undeniably elitist!
#Roger #Federer #Novak #Djokovics #seasons #age #battles