World Top 4 at 38: How Djokovic achieved what no one had ever dared to imagine

At 38 years and five months, Novak Djokovic carved out another piece of history: becoming the oldest player in the ATP era to finish a season in the world top 4.

By Arthur Millot

le 25/11/2025 à 12h06

Connors Djokovic Federer Laver Nadal

2025 was not his most flamboyant year. Fragile physique, reduced schedule, early eliminations… Djokovic had to completely rethink his way of managing the season.

And yet, he delivered where it counts: 4 Grand Slam semi-finals, a model of consistency at the highest level. Not to mention a final in Miami, a semi-final in Shanghai, and titles in Geneva and Athens.

Great performances, which allowed him, at 38 years and 5 months, to become the oldest member of the world top 4 since the creation of the ATP rankings in 1973.

Thus snatching this record from Federer (38 years and 3 months) in 2019.

Oldest top 4 in history (ATP, since 1973)

Novak Djokovic (2025): No. 4

Roger Federer (2019): No. 3

Roger Federer (2018): No. 3

Novak Djokovic (2023): No. 1

Rafael Nadal (2022): No. 2

Rod Laver (1974): No. 4

Roger Federer (2017): No. 2

Jimmy Connors (1987): No. 4