Djokovic, Nadal, Pegula: Who is the best tennis player at each age?

Tennis isn’t just a young person’s game. The so-called ‘older’ generation continues to wow fans across the globe. Novak Djokovic just won three more Grand Slams in 2023, for instance.

Jimmy Connor’s was once a wonder after being moderately successful into his mid-30s. Many players accomplish that now. “Ancient” Rafael Nadal is a real threat to win the French Open again in 2024.

After looking at the best players aged 19-28, we are now going to go through and check out the best tennis players from ages 29-38.

Djokovic among players playing great tennis well into their 30s

29 – Jessica Pegula

Pegula followed up her breakout year in 2022 with another solid season on tour. Getting to the next level and challenging for Grand Slams is a logical next step for the American.

30 – Caroline Garcia

After reaching a career-high of fourth in the world and a WTA Finals win in 2022, Garcia fell to 20th in the world this time around. Garcia is still dangerous however and will be one to watch out for in 2024.

31 – Magda Linette

Reaching the Australian Open Semi-Final was the highlight of Linette’s best year on tour so far. With the confidence gained from such a strong year she will be hoping to pick up a title next year.

32 – Grigor Dimitrov

Just when people began to give up on Dimitrov, he reminded us of what he could do. A monstrous end to the season capped off with a Final in Paris, has fans very excited for next season.

33 – Petra Kvitova

Kvitova’s title in Miami showed us just how good she can be. Replicating performances like that at the majors will be a big goal for 2024.

34 – Victoria Azarenka

The Belarussian started the year off strongly by making it to the last four in Melbourne but couldn’t translate that form throughout the rest of the season. She’s unbeatable on her day though and is always one to watch out for.

35 – Adrian Mannarino

The Frenchman quietly went about his business and had a brilliant 2023. Winning three titles in a year is mightily impressive and he’s certainly trending in the right direction at 35.

36 – Novak Djokovic

World number one at 36, not much more needs to be said about Novak Djokovic. The Serb won three of the four majors this year and seems to be aging like a fine wine. The calendar Grand Slam remains the goal for Djokovic and with an Olympic Gold medal up for grabs next year, he’ll be more motivated than ever.

37 – Rafael Nadal

If we continued to go by rankings, Gael Monfils would slot in as the best 37-year-old on tour, but for the Spaniard, we thought it was right to make an exception. If Nadal can turn up to the French Open with two working legs he’ll be one of the favourites to lift the title.

38 – Stan Wawrinka

After falling out of the world’s top 100 last year, Wawrinka stormed back into the top 50, making his first final since 2019 this season. He may not win another Grand Slam, but the Swiss looks like he’s still got a lot more tennis left to play.