 |
| Roger Federer, Miami Open 2017 |
Upsetting public stereotypes and finally meeting his fans' long-craved expectations, Rodger Federer becomes a triumphant winner of Australian Open 2017 at the age of 35. He then carries on his triumphant pace well into the title at Indian Wells tournament and Miami Open competition, two Masters in a row. Tennis critics say there is no stopping him, others argue-it's his final outburst on the verge of retirement. Maestro Federer is displaying his usual tranquility and self-confidence saying he's got no retirement plans for the nearest future. Is it just Roger or age is not dictating its rules to athletes anymore?
Some arguments against age limit
- Serena Williams conqueres her 23d Grand Slam title at Australian Open 2017, at the same age of 35.
- Serena Williams achieves her top ranking position for the seventh time on January 30, 2017, at the age of 35.
- Venus Williams, Serena's sister, returns to top ten in WTA rankings, and goes as far as quarterfinals at Miami Open 2017, becoming the oldest female tennis player to defeat world No. 1.
- Martina Hingis makes her return to doubles after the announced retirement and keeps winning Grand Slam titles in doubles at the age of 36.
- The latest WTA and ATP rankings show at least 8 female players over 30 years of age and 20(!) male players of at least 33 years of age or older in top 100.
What's the secret?
 |
| Serena Williams, Australian Open 2017 |
Opinions may differ, but the tendency of professional tennis getting more mature is obvious. Former players and coaches agree that 30 becomes the new 20 nowadays. More and more players are finding their best tennis later in their careers. In most cases this is not even due to any major changes like switching to another coach or moving countries. The most reasonable answer to this puzzling question seems to be quite trivial - tennis requires wisdom and nerve, you can't become GOAT at the age of 18. Another reason might be a purely economic one - tennis players are making more and more money, especially by advertising contracts, so they can afford a much better health care and psychologic support from professionals than ever before. The psychic component, often underestimated before, has been much studied and is now recognized as a decisive one. Achieving one or a couple of triumphant moments, getting noticed and spoken about - quite possible at 18 or even younger. Still, securing your place on the top for a number of consecutive years (Roger and Serena have been doing that for more than a decade by now!) in the atmosphere of permanent rivalry, cannot be explained by good physical condition or lucky chance only. Nick Kirgios, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Borna Coric, Karen Khachanov and some others, all of them not older than 21, known as NextGen, are holding ranks in top 100, and making news in tennis. They are so popular that it even makes ATP tour launch a new tournament for players 21 and younger. Their time will come to substitute the famous Djokovic-Nadal-Marray-Federer cohort. Or, maybe, the NextGen will play alongside the mentioned tops for another decade?
