With Novak Djokovic, the last standing member of the ‘Big Three,’ dropping three straight matches in 2025, speculation is mounting about when the tennis legend might call it quits. Even for a player of Djokovic’s caliber, time remains the ultimate equalizer—a challenge Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal faced before him. After his recent Indian Wells loss, Djokovic hinted at crafting a “plan” for his future, but how does his performance past age 35 stack up against his iconic rivals? For this breakdown, we’re looking at each player’s record starting the year they turned 35—when they were still 34 at the outset but closer to 40 than 30 by midyear.
### Roger Federer
The eldest of the trio, Federer kicked off his ATP journey in July 1998 at the Swiss Open and played through to the 2022 Laver Cup, a remarkable 24-year reign. While his trophy haul was heaviest early on, he remained a force after 35. After injuries derailed 2016, he roared back in 2017 with seven titles, including two Slams, finishing the year ranked No. 2. In 2018, he claimed his 20th and final Major at the Australian Open, ending as No. 3. Injuries plagued him by 2021, and he retired after Wimbledon.
– **Six seasons**
– **15 titles, including 3 Grand Slams**
– **192-37 record (84%)**
– **Average year-end ranking: No. 6**
### Rafael Nadal
Nadal’s post-35 career was the briefest, curtailed by relentless injuries. In 2021, he played just 29 matches, securing two titles and finishing No. 6. The next year, he eclipsed Federer and Djokovic’s Slam count with an Australian Open win, then nabbed his 14th and final French Open title against Casper Ruud. But a 2023 hip injury (iliopsoas muscle) limited him to four matches, dropping him out of the top 10 for the first time since 2004. He returned in 2024 for a final 20-match farewell, bowing out tearfully at the Davis Cup ranked No. 154—down from 672 in January.
– **Four seasons**
– **6 titles, including 2 Grand Slams**
– **76-24 record (76%)**
– **Average year-end ranking: No. 207**
### Novak Djokovic
Djokovic has so far maximized his later years, tacking on four Slams and an Olympic gold since turning 35 in 2022. That year, he won Wimbledon to reach 21 Majors, and in 2023, he added three more Slams to reclaim No. 1. But 2024 was leaner—just one title (the Olympics), no Slams, and a year-end No. 7 ranking, his lowest since 2017. His 2025 has started dismally with three losses, fueling retirement chatter as he navigates his fourth season past 35.
– **Fourth season ongoing**
– **13 titles, including 4 Grand Slams**
– **135-26 record (84%)**
– **Average year-end ranking: No. 8**
### Andy Murray (Bonus)
For Andy Murray fans, here’s a look at the Brit’s three seasons at 35 and beyond. In 2022, three years after a tearful Australian Open retirement hint, the metal-hipped warrior played 45 matches, winning 26 and finishing No. 49—his best ranking since 2017. He climbed to No. 42 in 2023 but posted more losses than wins. In 2024, injuries restricted him to 18 matches, forcing retirement with no titles to show.
– **Three seasons**
– **0 titles**
– **48-48 record (50%)**
– **Average year-end ranking: No. 84**
