... But age is just a number
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It would be quite the understatement to say that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are in the form of their lives. The two former World No. 1s – Federer considered the all-time Great and Nadal the King of Clay – have long ago established their legendary status, but this year have seemed intent on cementing that, with Federer taking his 18th Major win at the Australian Open, and Nadal following it up with his tenth French Open title (his 15th Major overall).
The two are fit – fitter, likely, than most of their younger rivals on the court and moving with singular fluidity and speed. Federer’s reflexes are quicker than ever and his shots both comfortable and powerful – and as one of the oldest players in the draw, Federer has not let what many would have considered ‘slower’ recovery times hamper his athleticism or gameplay.
Neither Federer nor Nadal has dropped a set going into the fourth round here, and both look very comfortable in their games so far.
That does not just extend to the men’s draw – with one of the most decorated players at Wimbledon – Venus Williams – turning 37 last month. Competitor Svetlana Kuznetsova, also a former No. 1 and multiple Grand Slam winner, is, at 32, is a year older than Nadal.
Among both male and female players, age is absolutely no barrier – even if pundits – and even some players – consider above 30 to be ‘over the hill’ as far as a tennis player’s career goes.
Now, Venus Williams is the first of the ‘old guard’ into the quarter-finals with an absolute masterclass against Croatia’s Ana Konjuh in Round 4. It is her 13th showing in the quarter-finals at a tournament she has won five times.
