Another year, another Novak Djokovic milestone — and this one hits right at the heart of the “aging curve.”
At 38 years and 5 months, the Serbian great has just become the oldest player ever to finish a season
inside the ATP Top 4.
Yes, older than Federer. Yes, older than Nadal. Yes, still as inevitable as ever.
Just days ago, Djokovic made history by securing his 16th career Top-4 finish, breaking his tie with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (both on 15). And now? He’s taken it further.
The ATP’s final rankings, released November 17, 2025, officially place him at No. 4 — and officially rewrite another line in the record books.
Oldest Top-4 Finishes in ATP History (Since 1973)
- 38y/5m — Novak Djokovic, 2025 (No. 4)
- 38y/3m — Roger Federer, 2019 (No. 3)
- 37y/3m — Roger Federer, 2018 (No. 3)
- 36y/6m — Novak Djokovic, 2023 (No. 1)
- 36y/6m — Rafael Nadal, 2022 (No. 2)
- 36y/5m — Rod Laver, 1974 (No. 4)
- 36y/3m — Roger Federer, 2017 (No. 2)
- 35y/3m — Jimmy Connors, 1987 (No. 4)
Only six men in the Open Era have ever finished a season in the Top 4 after age 35. Djokovic has now done it twice. Federer three times. Nadal, Laver and Connors once each.
A Vintage Djokovic Season — Without a Slam
He didn’t win a Grand Slam in 2025, but Djokovic still produced a résumé most players would frame:
- Semifinals at all four Majors
- Career title No. 100 in Geneva, No. 101 in Athens
- 60th Masters final in Miami
- 80th Masters semifinal in Shanghai
At 38, he’s still stacking numbers like he’s 28.
A Record the Big 3 Can’t Touch
Djokovic now owns the most Top-4 finishes in ATP history.
- Djokovic: 16
- Federer: 15
- Nadal: 15
Half of Djokovic’s Top-4 seasons (eight) came at No. 1 — more than Federer (five) and Nadal (five).
Even zooming out to Top-5 finishes, Djokovic stays on top:
- Djokovic: 17
- Federer: 16
- Nadal: 16
And make no mistake — the chase isn’t over.
Djokovic’s hunt for a 25th Grand Slam is still very much alive, with the Serbian refusing to let the era of ‘Sin-caraz’ oust him completely out of the game so far.
