Rafael Nadal won the 2022 French Open at 36 years and two days, which made him the oldest to win in Paris. The record was previously held by Andres Gimeno, who won in 1972 at 34 years and 305 days. 

As one touches their late 30s, a downturned trajectory of strength and spirit commonly follows. But this isn’t always the case, especially for those tennis professionals who continue to exude vitality on the clay court as they go down in the books of tennis history as the oldest Grand Slam winners. 

Here, we take a look at them.

Ken Rosewall

50 years ago, Australian tennis player Ken Rosewall defeated Malcolm Anderson 7-6 6-3 7-5 and made history by becoming the oldest man to win the Australian Open 1972 title at the age of 37 years, 2 months and 1 day. 

Roger Federer

Swiss tennis icon Roger Federer has made several impressive records throughout his career. When he was 36 years, 5 months and 7 days old, he won the 2018 Australian Open by defeating Croatia’s Marin Cilic 2-6 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-1.

Rafael Nadal

Tennis demigod Rafael Nadal, who is now a proud owner of 22 Grand Slam titles, recently made history as the oldest champion of the French Open by winning the final in 2022 two days after he turned 36. 

He has dethroned Andres Gimeno, who made the record in 1972 when he was 34 years and 305 days.

Also Read: What is the Mueller-Weiss Syndrome, Nadal’s major handicap?

Serena Williams

In 2017, a pregnant Serena Williams became the oldest female Grand Slam winner when she defeated her sister Venus 6-4 6-4 in the Australian Open final. She was 35 years, 4 months and 2 days old when she made the record, which brought her Grand Slam total to 23 titles. 

Andres Gimeno

In 1972, Spain’s Andres Gimeno became the oldest tennis player from his country to win the Grand Slam title when he was 34 years, 10 months and 1 day old. He defeated France’s Patrick Proisy 4-6 6-3 6-1 6-1 in the French Open.

Also Read: Nadal, unsure of future, ‘will fight to keep going’ after French Open win

Novak Djokovic

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic became one of the oldest Grand Slam champions in tennis history when he defeated Russia’s Danil Medvedev 7-5 6-2 6-2 in the 2021 Australian Open at 33 years, 8 months and 17 days old.

Flavia Pennetta

At the age of 33 years and 199 days, Italy’s Flavia Pennetta defeated her country’s Roberta Vinci in the 2015 US Open and became the oldest champion of the tournament. Moments later, she announced her retirement and bowed out with a The Harton S. Semple Trophy in hand.