Does mileage exist anymore?

[Mind Doctor]

Not going to say anything except that their styles of play are vastly different.

Federer still needs to run and hit the ball. He is no Jedi. And at almost 36, that he is able to outplay much younger opponents is impressive (to say the least), specially considering that his prime finished almost 10 years ago. (Hurr durr)

 

[ChaelAZ]

So is mileage still a factor in the modern game and if so, why?

More they aren't as good as they once were, but they are as good once as they ever were. I go out and play with the juniors, high school and college players, and I do well to keep up in matches and play. The difference now is, the next day I am sore and need a bit of a break and they are out doing it again, and again, and again. Same with the older players on tour taking more time between big tourneys. Look at the difference 5 years can make between Fed and Nadal, with Fed playing almost half the time as Rafa. Again, the time Fed is playing is gold standard quality, but he cannot compete at that level for a full season ever again. And the same will come of Nadal and the others as they pass the 30's on the way to that all-changing 40's mark.

So mileage is still there, but older players are finding new ways to play within themselves.