Photo: Serena Williams/Instagram
Just one generation ago, professional tennis players were considered over the hill at the not-so-old age of 30.
Today, many of the sport’s biggest stars are nearing 40 — an achievement that would have been unimaginable in previous eras.
When Davenport and Courier were ranked No. 1 in the 1990s and early 2000s, retirement age rarely extended past 30. But now reigning superstars likeSerena Williamsand Roger Federer, both 37, continue not just to compete but to dominate. The reasons are multi-fold, explain Davenport and Courier.
Lindsay Davenport (left, 1998) and Jim Courier (right, 1994).PL Gould/Images/Getty; Focus on Sport/Getty
For starters, “these players are taking care of themselves, doing a lot more pre-and post-stretching,” says Courier, now a tennis commentator who lives in Orlando, Fla. “They have a lot more knowledge [because of] their phsysio [therapists], who travel with them.”
Another key reason: “There are more financial incentives,” he adds. “If you were the 80th player ranked in the world in 1995, your economic incentive to stay on the tour at the age when most people would like to start a family was not there. Economics drive a lot.”
Serena Williams competing at Wimbledon on July 8.Shaun Botterill/Getty
Davenport, now a coach and mom of four, notes that as more players extend their careers, others follow suit.
“It’s also a little bit contagious,” she says. “I think it resonates with all the players. You’re not the only over 35-year-old player out there. When we played in the ’90s, top players were very stressed about playing their matches and getting out. Roger [Federer] changed that. I think it’s the mindset of this generation. Because they’re able physically and because there’s some [financial] incentive there, that all kind of bought in together.” Pointing to the recent stunning match between American newcomer Coco Gauff and seasoned pro Venus Williams, she adds, “A 15-year-old versus a 39-year-old. How awesome is that?”
Venus Williams and Coco Gauff at Wimbledon on July 1.Clive Brunskill/Getty; BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty
Of course, with age comes an increased risk of injury, something Serena has battled in recent seasons. “It’s natural when you have the amount of mileage, you’re going to be more injury prone,” says Courier. But he notes that mentally, it’s become easier for players to travel the world and still feel connected to their friends and family at home.
“I’d be waking up in the morning in London to buyUSA Yesterday,” he jokes. “You were detached. These days when the players travel around the world, they’re still home. They can use FaceTime, watch Netflix.”
Focus on Sport/Getty; GERRY PENNY/AFP/Getty
As a result of all those factors, “We’re the better for it as fans of the sport,” says Courier. “We get to see players for longer, see records fall. I thought [Pete] Sampras’s 14 [Grand Slam Singles titles] would never get touched, and along comes Federer and sprints past it. Serena’s at 23, I didn’t think anyone would get past Steffi [Graf] at 22.”
Adds Davenport: “Serena is scratching and clawing for 24! Every Grand Slam, it’s like we reset. It’s awesome. What this players are playing for is so beyond are wildest dreams when we were playing.”
source: people.com
