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Tennis Legends: Maria & Djokovic Defy Age on Court
3 Oct
Summary
- Tatjana Maria, 39, remains the oldest WTA player in the top 100.
- Novak Djokovic, also 39, is the oldest ATP player in the top 100.
- Both veterans continue to inspire with their enduring careers.
The WTA Tour currently features players ranging from 18-year-old Lilli Tagger to 39-year-old Tatjana Maria, who remains the oldest player within the top 100 rankings. Among the five teenagers in the top 100 is 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva, a recent Grand Slam champion. Maria, who debuted on the WTA Tour in 2006, has maintained her presence by adopting an effective slice-heavy game style after becoming a mother. This strategic change led to her best career results, including four WTA titles and a Wimbledon semifinal appearance.
Tatjana Maria secured her most significant title in 2025 at the Queen's Club Championships, reaching a career-high ranking of world number 36 at 37 years old. Despite a dip in rankings this year due to varied results, she reached another final in Eastbourne and a semifinal in Rouen, maintaining her status as the oldest WTA top 100 player. Maria is currently competing in California, showing no signs of retirement.
Comparably, on the ATP Tour, Novak Djokovic, also 39, holds the position of the oldest player in the top 100 at world number 11. Djokovic boasts a record 24 Grand Slam titles and numerous other accolades. Despite recent questioning of his future in the sport after a first-round US Open exit, Djokovic has expressed his intent to compete in the 2028 LA Olympics. Both Djokovic and Maria serve as inspirations for younger athletes across both tours.
