Both aged 38: Federer in 2019 versus Djokovic in 2025

In the 2019 Wimbledon final, 38-year-old Federer lost to 32-year-old Djokovic. This was more than just a historic match; I think it also made the fans of both playersreflective and emotional in oppositionmatch.On one side, the sorrow of “almost grasping it but missing out,” and on the other, the joy of “rising from the brink to seize the title,” collectively marking the intricate memories of this legendary showdown.

I believe many people have revisited this match more than once even to this day.

Federer clearly led in statistics throughout the match. Whether it was serving, winners, or total points, he held the advantage. Yet, the final victor was Djokovic...

2019 Wimbledon final statistics

Looking back at this match, setting everything else aside, I still greatly admire Federer’s competitive form just two months shy of turning 38!

Six years laterin the 2025 season, Djokovic is also 38. Although his performance remains commendable, I feel there is still a gap compared to Federer in 2019. In 2019, Federer faced Djokovic twice: besides the Wimbledon final, they met in the year-end finals group stage, where Federer won 6-4, 6-3. However, Federer lost to Tsitsipas in the semifinals, who was 17 years younger. Tsitsipas went on to defeat Thiem in the final to claim the title.

By the way, it’s worth noting that Tsitsipas was only 21 then, one of the “Next Gen Big Four”! Now, those former “Next Gen Big Four” players have reached middle age and are no longer as dominant as before.

In 2019, Federer and Djokovic were tied 1:1.

Djokovic vs Federer in the 2019 season

At the 2019 year-end finals, Tsitsipas defeated both Federer and Thiem to win the championship! This remains his only year-end finals title so far.

2019 Year-End Finals

Federer’s 2019 record:

4 titles:

Miami MastersWon the final 6-1, 6-4 against Isner to claim the trophy.

At theDubai 500 finalhe defeated Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-4 to win the title.

At theHalle 500 finalhe beat Goffin 7-6(2), 6-1 to take the championship, being 9 years older.

At theBasel 500 finalhe won 6-2, 6-2 against De Minaur. He was 18 years older.

In total, he won three 500-level titles.

2 runner-ups:

He reached the finals at Wimbledon and Indian Wells. Lost to Djokovic at Wimbledon and to Thiem at Indian Wells Masters final.

Grand Slam results:

Australian Open round of 16: lost to Tsitsipas.

French Open semifinal: lost to Nadal.

Wimbledon final: lost to Djokovic.

US Open quarterfinal: lost to Dimitrov.

Interestingly, Federer’s head-to-head record with Tsitsipas was 2:2, all matches played in the 2019 season:

Federer’s title record at age 38 is unmatched even by Djokovic in the 2024 season:

Of course, after Djokovic’s forced setback in 2022 and his comeback in 2023, it was reasonable for him to take a break in 2024 to rest and recover.At the same time, an Olympic gold medal seemed to symbolize: if I want it, I will definitely get it!

Djokovic’s 2025 season results:

2 titles:

ATP 250 Geneva OpenFinal victory over Hurkacz. He was 9 years older.

ATP 250 Athens OpenHe came back from 1-2 down to defeat Musetti and claim his 101st career title, becoming the oldest tour singles champion since 1990. He was 15 years older than Musetti.

Honestly, it’s hard to understand why Djokovic was so emotional winning in Greece!

1 runner-up:

ATP 1000 Miami MastersLost both tiebreaks in the final to 19-year-old Menchik. The age difference was 18 years.

Grand Slams (all stopped at semifinals, overall record 20 wins and 4 losses)

​Australian OpenRetired in the semifinal against Zverev due to a left leg muscle strain after losing the first set in a tiebreak.

​French OpenLost 0-3 to Sinner in the semifinal, with set scores 4-6, 5-7, 6-7(3).

​WimbledonAgain lost in the semifinal to Sinner, 3-6, 3-6, 4-6.

​US OpenLost 0-3 to Alcaraz in the semifinal, with set scores 4-6, 6-7(4), 2-6, missing the final.

Sinner is 14 years younger, Alcaraz is 16 years younger.

[Summary]:

1. Titles:

Federer won 4 titles including 1 Masters and 3 500-level titles; Djokovic won 2 ATP 250 titles. Federer leads.

2. Year-end results:

Federer finished 2019 with a 51-10 record, 83.6% win rate, ranked 3rd with 6590 points; Djokovic ended with 39-11, ranked 4th with 4830 points. Federer had a higher win rate and played more matches at age 38.

3. Opponent analysis:

2018 year-end rankings:

2019 year-end ATP rankings:

Analyzing the top 10 ATP players from 2018-2019, Federer still held the position just behind Nadal and Djokovic.That means Federer’s main rivals were the younger Nadal and Djokovic, 5-6 years his junior.Meanwhile, the “Next Gen Big Four” Zverev, Thiem, Tsitsipas, and Medvedev were emerging but posed no serious threat to the big three.

In 2019, Federer’s head-to-head against Djokovic was 1:1, and against Nadal was 2:1.

2019 Federer vs Djokovic

2019 Federer vs Nadal

Next, let’s look atDjokovic’s competitive environment.

2024 ATP rankings:

2025 ATP rankings:

In the 2024-2025 seasons, players born after 1995 are declining, gradually being pushed out of the top 10 by those born after 2000. Djokovic’s main competitors areSinner and Alcaraz, who are 14-16 years younger. Secondary rivals areFritz and Zverev, about 10 years younger. Other competitive players are mostly post-2000s, about 15 years younger, similar to Federer’s competition with Zverev and Tsitsipas back in 2019.

The key difference is: in 2019, 38-year-old Federer’s biggest rivals were Nadal and Djokovic, 5-6 years younger; in 2025, 38-year-old Djokovic’s main rivals are Sinner and Alcaraz, 15-16 years younger.

Overall, I believe Federer’s competitive form at 38 was better than Djokovic’s at the same age this year. Whether it’s physical condition or agility, Federer had the edge. Meanwhile, Djokovic faces a tougher competitive environment than Federer did in 2019.

What do the fans think?

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