In the world of tennis, records often symbolize the zenith of athletic achievement. One such record, held by Australian tennis legend Ken Rosewall, has stood for over five decades.
Rosewall made history when he became the oldest player to win a Grand Slam singles title, achieving this remarkable feat at the 1972 Australian Open at the age of 37 years and 55 days. His longevity and success in the sport cemented his place as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Ken Rosewall’s 1972 Australian Open victory not only marked his eighth Grand Slam singles title but also solidified his place in tennis history as the oldest major singles champion in the Open Era. His triumph over Mal Anderson in the final, which ended with a 7-6, 6-3, 7-5 scoreline, was the crowning moment of his illustrious career.
Rosewall’s ability to compete at the highest level well into his late 30s set him apart and demonstrated that age need not be a barrier to success in tennis. Even more impressively, he continued to perform at an elite level into his 40s, reaching two more Grand Slam finals in 1974.
Djokovic’s pursuit of Rosewall’s record
Fast forward to today, and Novak Djokovic, at 38, is making his own mark on tennis history. The Serbian superstar has amassed 24 Grand Slam singles titles, surpassing Pete Sampras’ previous record. Djokovic’s most recent victory came at the 2023 U.S. Open, where, at 36 years and 97 days old, he became the third-oldest man to win a Grand Slam title.
His pursuit of the elusive 25th major title has been the subject of much anticipation in recent years. However, Djokovic has yet to break Rosewall’s 1972 record, despite his ongoing dominance in the sport.
In 2024, Djokovic’s hopes of capturing another major faltered as he fell in the semifinals of all three major tournaments. His most recent loss at Wimbledon, a straight-set defeat to Jannik Sinner, added further doubts to his ability to surpass the milestone set by Rosewall.
However, with his relentless drive and resilience, Djokovic continues to be a top contender in the sport.
Rosewall’s support for Djokovic
Despite being 90 years old, Rosewall has expressed his support for Djokovic’s pursuit of his record. In a recent interview, Rosewall was candid about his thoughts, stating, “Either way, I wouldn’t mind, but Novak, you know, he deserves his record, what he has.
He’s won more Grand Slams than anybody else, so another one wouldn’t hurt.” His words reflect a spirit of camaraderie and admiration, acknowledging Djokovic’s remarkable career and achievements.
As Novak Djokovic continues his career, eyes will be on the upcoming U.S. Open, where he will once again chase both his 25th Grand Slam title and the chance to eclipse Ken Rosewall’s enduring record. Whether or not Djokovic manages to surpass this milestone, his legacy in the sport is already secured, and his pursuit of excellence continues to inspire tennis players and fans around the world.
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