Rafael Nadal claimed his fourth US Open title in 2019 at the age of 33.
The US Open, one of tennis’s most prestigious tournaments, has seen numerous champions since the Open era began in 1968. Among them, a select few have claimed the title well into their 30s, showcasing remarkable longevity and skill. Here’s a look at the four oldest players to win the men’s singles title at the US Open.
Stan Wawrinka, a Swiss tennis player, became the fourth oldest man to win the US Open in 2016. At 31, Wawrinka defeated Novak Djokovic, who was then the World №1, in the final. Wawrinka’s victory added to his impressive career, which includes a career-high World №3 ranking in 2014 and five consecutive years finishing in the Top 10 from 2013 to 2017.
Wawrinka has amassed 16 singles titles, including 11 consecutive victories in finals between 2014 and 2016. He is one of only three players to have defeated the “Big Four” of Djokovic, Federer, Murray, and Nadal in Grand Slams. Wawrinka also won the doubles gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics alongside Roger Federer and played a crucial role in Switzerland’s 2014 Davis Cup triumph.
Rafael Nadal claimed his fourth US Open title in 2019 at the age of 33, making him the third oldest player to win at Flushing Meadows. This victory added to his tally of major titles, bringing his total to 22, second only to Novak Djokovic’s 24. Nadal’s dominance, particularly on clay, is unmatched, with 14 French Open titles, including a five-year streak from 2010 to 2014.
Despite being known as the “King of Clay,” Nadal’s achievements extend beyond the red dirt. He held the World №1 ranking for 209 weeks and maintained a remarkable streak of 912 weeks in the ATP Top 10 from April 2005 to March 2023. His 2019 US Open win underscored his ability to compete at the highest level even in his 30s.
For over five decades, Ken Rosewall held the record as the oldest US Open champion. The Australian won the title in 1970 at the age of 35 years and 315 days. Rosewall’s career is distinguished by his extraordinary longevity, earning him the nickname “Muscles” for his continued competitiveness into his 40s.
In addition to his 1970 US Open triumph, Rosewall remained a formidable player well beyond the typical retirement age for tennis players. He was ranked World №12 at the end of the 1977 season after winning the Hong Kong Open at 43. His contributions to tennis were recognized with his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1980.
Novak Djokovic became the oldest US Open men’s singles champion in 2023, at 36 years and 111 days, surpassing Ken Rosewall’s long-standing record. Djokovic’s victory came after defeating Daniil Medvedev in straight sets, securing his fourth US Open title and tying with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam singles titles in history, with 24.
Djokovic’s 2023 US Open win was another milestone in his illustrious career. The Serbian has spent more time at the top of the ATP rankings than any other player, with a record 390 weeks as World №1. He also holds the record for most years ended as World №1 (7) and has consistently ranked in the top 3 from 2007 to 2016.
In addition to his US Open success, Djokovic made history at the 2023 French Open by becoming the first man to win each Grand Slam at least three times. He also has ten Australian Open titles and is one of three men to hold all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously, joining Don Budge and Rod Laver, who both completed calendar Grand Slams.
