“Federer set a very high bar for longevity. We all pushed, but either your body or mind breaks. Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic learned to manage their careers better than previous generations.”

The Bar Setters

Courier praised the ‘Big Three’ for their unprecedented longevity at the highest level in tennis.

• Roger Federer: Still competitive at 39, the 20-time Grand Slam champion has shown remarkable longevity and adaptability.
• Rafael Nadal: The 34-year-old Spaniard, with 20 Grand Slam titles, continues to be a dominant force despite injury struggles.
• Novak Djokovic: Currently at 18 Grand Slams, the 33-year-old Serbian shows no signs of slowing down, having recently broken the record for the most weeks at No. 1.

Lessons from the Legends

Courier highlighted that these players have managed their careers exceptionally well, preserving their bodies and minds for long-term success. They achieved this through:

• Intelligent scheduling, often skipping events to preserve energy and reduce wear and tear.
• Consistent commitment to fitness, nutrition, and injury prevention.
• Mental strength and resilience honed over years of competition.

Jim Courier’s Journey

Courier, who himself reached No. 1 and won multiple Grand Slams, acknowledged that managing longevity was a challenge for his generation too. Reflecting on his career, he admitted, "It’s a real ordeal… to know when to say enough is enough."

Q: Which player has spent the most consecutive weeks at No. 1?

A: Novak Djokovic, with 311 weeks as of April 2022.

Q: Who is the oldest No. 1 player in tennis history?

A: Roger Federer, who was 36 years and 5 months old when he reclaimed the No. 1 ranking in February 2018.