GugaGuga
Rookie
We've seen older players make a breakthrough before. For example, Martin Van Kirk made it to the semifinals (or was it the finals?) of Roland Garos several years ago at the age of 31. It seems to me that with todays knowledge of fitness and nutrition that a player could feasibly breakthrough at the age of 35+ on the natural surfaces (I think the hardcourts may be a little too punishing on the body, but it may be possible on that surface too).
Jimmy Connors played until he was 39+, and professional soccer players routinely don't hit their peak until they are in their thirties--some play until nearly 50 (i.e. Lothar Mathaus at 47 still effectively played the number 10 spot in matches for the German national team).
Especially if you include doubles, how old is it before one has to put away their dreams of playing professional tennis?
When you look at professionals who retire around the age of thirty or in their mid-thirties, their bodies have taken the punishment of playing professional tennis for often more than 10+ years. After multiple surgeries and injuries and the day-to-day grind, I am sure that there is not much left in them by that point. However, if a player's body has never been through that grind, it may be possible for them to compete through their thirties. At least, they might be able to make a brief breakthrough. After all, tennis can be a streaky sport, if someone gets on a good run.
Any feedback? Any examples of late bloomers? :?:
Jimmy Connors played until he was 39+, and professional soccer players routinely don't hit their peak until they are in their thirties--some play until nearly 50 (i.e. Lothar Mathaus at 47 still effectively played the number 10 spot in matches for the German national team).
Especially if you include doubles, how old is it before one has to put away their dreams of playing professional tennis?
When you look at professionals who retire around the age of thirty or in their mid-thirties, their bodies have taken the punishment of playing professional tennis for often more than 10+ years. After multiple surgeries and injuries and the day-to-day grind, I am sure that there is not much left in them by that point. However, if a player's body has never been through that grind, it may be possible for them to compete through their thirties. At least, they might be able to make a brief breakthrough. After all, tennis can be a streaky sport, if someone gets on a good run.
Any feedback? Any examples of late bloomers? :?: