Are You Too Old For Tennis?

Playing a sport is probably the best thing that someone can do in their life. Whether it is once a week with friends, or at a more competitive level in tournaments, getting some sort of exercise is what matters. However, some of us may argue that tennis is the best sport out of all of them. People usually consider it a lifetime sport. To add, it is extremely social and you can find so many resources across the internet. Surrounding all of this talk, players sometimes worry if they are too old to still be playing tennis.

The answer to this is quite complicated, but can surely be answered. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss all of the different circumstances and when you should hang up the racket.

Elite Level

Let's start off with the elite level. I do believe that you can compete at the elite level into your early 40s, and Roger Federer competed last year and was able to play really well. He was highly capable of posting big results at the elite level in his early 40s. 

In fact, before the pandemic, Roger was about to be 38 in the Wimbledon final against Djokovic in 2019. I’m sure fans are still processing that defeat.

Look at Novak Djokovic. He just turned 36, but he is playing and moving like he is 26. I am aware that he has picked up some injuries lately, but he manages to recover from them quickly, or in some cases even play through them. Thus, I believe that he has a few more years inside of him.

He is simply so eager to break all of the records, win more slams, and go down as the greatest. His strict stretching routine, clean diet, and mindfulness practice must also be a part of his current condition.

But also, Jimmy Connors back in the day made a semi-final run and he was of a similar age. However, I will say that once you reach the mid-40s, it's going to be very tricky at the elite level. Especially going into your 50s, there are no examples of players being able to play at the elite level.

I can give you a movie recommendation on Netflix. You can watch the movie called "The Player", which is about Boris Becker. You see how destroyed his body is from competing at the elite level. Because tennis is maybe the toughest sport in the world and takes such a toll on the body, I don't think it's possible to play at the elite level into your 50s.

High Level

At the high level, however, it's a little bit different. There have been some examples of players able to get ATP points at the age of 50 or in their late 40s. So, I do think the level is obviously not as high as the elite level. Players who are really fit are able to still compete into their late 40s and maybe into their early 50s.

Some coaches around this age can still play high-level tennis. They often play sets with Division I college players and high-level juniors, and are still able to beat guys who are 20 or 25 years younger than them. 

For how much longer though? Well, it's going to depend on their physical conditioning, a healthy routine, and keeping themselves in good shape.

However, once these players get into their mid-50s or approach 60, it's going to be tougher and tougher. Your joints just don’t move the same way and you get tired much more easily. 

This is the time when players decide to instead play doubles competitively, while others still try their best to do what they can. Hence, as mentioned before, it gets more complicated to be in your sixties and play at a high level.

More Age, More Limitations

Now, let's talk about the most important thing: the recreational level. You often hear that tennis is a lifetime sport, that you can play forever, and that is definitely true. 

However, I will say that many players who are 60-plus or 70-plus are unable to play singles. Due to limitations in movement and range of motion, they are only able to compete in doubles.

Based on observations from coaches who teach students of all ages, including many who are 70-plus years old, I've noticed one important factor. The ones who are still able to compete in singles keep themselves very slim.

I saw this clip of a player named Robert on Youtube, who is 70. He is in unbelievable shape. He plays tennis everyday. This player still competes in singles and is very slim, which allows him to move around the court phenomenally well for his age.

However, some other players who are a little bit heavier tend to have more ailments. They often experience knee problems, ankle problems, and all kinds of issues. I do believe there's a correlation between weight and injuries when it comes to tennis.

If you want to make tennis a lifetime sport and play into your 70s, and maybe even into your 80s while still being able to compete in singles, you have to keep yourself fit. But most importantly, you have to keep yourself trim. Being overweight can significantly impact your ability to play singles, especially for players who are 70-plus.

Tournaments for All

The great thing about tennis, and I'm not sure if other sports have this, is that you can compete and play USTA National tournaments into your 90s. Let me give you a couple of examples.

At the USTA National Women's Hardcourt Championships, they have categories for women's singles in 50, 60, 70, 80, and even 90 and over. Similarly, at the Southern Senior Men's Clay Court Championships, they have categories for men's singles in 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85. The USTA organizes these tournaments, allowing even 90-year-olds and older to compete in singles and doubles events. Tennis truly is a lifetime sport.

However, it's worth noting that tennis as a lifetime sport is more focused on doubles. There's no knock on doubles, but the fact is that in doubles, you don't have to move as much since you only cover half the court. The pace can be slower at the recreational level, and you can get away with not moving much at all.

But many who play doubles and are older often express a desire to still play singles. They wish they could go out there, move around the court, and play a singles match. Once again, their personal circumstances may be what is preventing them from doing so.

Final Thoughts

Tennis is a sport that can be played by people from all ages and for your entire life. Don’t ever feel like there isn’t someone who is around the same age and level as you is struggling with the same things. Social media has some great groups where you can find people to play with. To add, remember what I said about national tournaments with brackets for 80 year olds. That’s amazing! If you aren’t able to play by yourself on the court, remember there are always doubles matches.

Although this has already been established, tennis is my favorite thing in the world. I am sure I will do anything to never hang up my racket during my life. Well, anything besides having a pickleball paddle in my hand.