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.

Arthur Millot

le 25/11/2025 à 12h06

1 min to read

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

4e, 4830 points

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As we move to the end of this month and also closing out the year I am wishing all of those following me a Merry Christmas and a Happy/Healthy New Year.

Let's make that wish for all 2000 plus players hoping for 5 wins each day. Hoping ŵhen we open the results page to see all green, and no red. And especially NO CANCELED matches.

From me and my rotti JAZ, I bid you all good night, and see you in...

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I love tennis

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why did tennis tonic void predictions on the match between Chwalinska and Huergo at the Quito tournament? The match was played to completion and on time. If TT feels the match is one sided, and of course it was, then don't put it up for prediction. This is getting irritating.

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The finals are here, and we scramble for the best finish. I've been chasing "King" all year and I was able to shrink the spread a little. Skelp is also closing the gap.

Seasons best to all the regulars in our league.

Will you all be back in the new year.?

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Steffi Graf completed a Golden Slam (not just a career Grand Slam) when she was 19. She is the only person to accomplish that, winning the four majors plus Olympic gold the same calendar year.

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