Djokovic and Dimitrov, the only veterans resisting change

Raquel Bermúdez Rodríguez | 18 Dec 2024 | 18.45

Djokovic and Dimitrov, the only veterans resisting the change. Photo: Getty

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One of the major changes we are witnessing in the world of tennis is the age of retirement. Despite a few exceptions like Ashleigh Barty, players are retiring at increasingly later ages. Roger Federer, for instance, officially retired at 41, although he had been unable to compete much before that due to a knee injury. Rafa Nadal followed suit at 38, while others like Victoria Azarenka (35), Novak Djokovic (37), Sara Errani (37), Stan Wawrinka (39), and Gael Monfils (38) continue competing on the circuit with no plans of saying goodbye.

As another season comes to an end, it's time to analyze the potential changes reflected in the ATP rankings. Statistics show that in 2024, only two players over 33 years old are in the Top 40, the lowest number for veterans since 2013 when only Tommy Haas remained among the top 40 players in the world beyond 33.

This time, Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov are the ones standing, both having had successful seasons. Despite not winning any Grand Slam this season, Djokovic has proven once again that he is still a contender for major titles, especially after achieving the Olympic gold in Paris. On his part, Dimitrov reached the quarterfinals in Roland Garros and the US Open, as well as competed for the title in the finals of Miami and Stockholm.

An exception or a new trend?

In 2021, there were eight players over 33, following the same trend as in 2018, indicating what seemed to be the new reality of the circuit. Advances in physical conditioning and across all areas should see that number increasing. However, perhaps this shift is a result of the retirement of several legendary names like Rafa Nadal, Andy Murray, Dominic Thiem, and John Millman. Despite this season appearing to be a pause in the trend, the numbers from recent years reflect a remarkable increase in performance beyond the age of 30.

Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov are the only year-end top-40 players who turned 33. It's the worst result for the veterans since 2013.

However, take a look at incredible difference between 1990-2013 and 2014-2023 periods. The older players have improved their level sooo much pic.twitter.com/7OVl8D3ocT
— YoungTennisGuns (@YoungTennisGuns) December 17, 2024