Tatjana Maria: The Oldest Player Thriving in the WTA Top 100

Age Range Among Top 100 WTA Players

The WTA Tour's top 100 players span a wide age range, from 18-year-old newcomers to seasoned veterans approaching 40. Lilli Tagger, at 18, represents one of five teenagers currently ranked in the top 100 singles players. Among these young talents is 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva, who claimed one of the youngest Grand Slam titles earlier this year at Roland Garros.

Tatjana Maria: A Longstanding Presence on Tour

In stark contrast stands 39-year-old Tatjana Maria, who debuted on the WTA Tour before both Tagger and Andreeva were even born. Despite her age, Maria remains inside the top 100, holding the world number 84 spot as of now.

Maria first appeared in a WTA main draw in Luxembourg back in 2006 when she was 19. Over two decades later, she continues to compete at a high level. Known for an unorthodox style that heavily features slice shots on both backhand and forehand sides, this approach wasn't always her standard play.

After taking time off following the birth of her daughter Charlotte in 2013, Maria revamped her game with more slice techniques, which helped her climb higher in the rankings than ever before. Before adopting this style, she had never broken into the top 60.

Career Highlights and Titles

• Career-high ranking: No. 36 (July 2025)
• WTA titles won: 4 (Mallorca Open 2018, Copa Colsanitas 2022 & 2023, Queen's Club Championships 2025)
• Best Grand Slam result: Wimbledon semi-finalist (2022)

Her most notable title came in 2025 at the Queen's Club Championships, where she defeated top players like Elena Rybakina, Amanda Anisimova, and Madison Keys. Across her career, Maria also holds wins over legends such as Venus Williams, Elina Svitolina, and Sloane Stephens.

Recent Form and Current Status

This season has brought mixed results, causing some drop in her ranking. Still, Maria reached a final in Eastbourne, made it to the semi-finals on clay at Rouen, and clinched a WTA 125 title on the grass courts of Newport, Rhode Island. These performances have kept her as the oldest player in the WTA top 100 at 39 years and nearly two months.

Her schedule includes competing this week at the ITF 100k event in Templeton, California, showing no signs of stepping back from the sport.

Comparing With the Oldest ATP Player

While Maria leads the WTA in age among top 100 players, the ATP's oldest is Novak Djokovic, also 39, currently ranked world number 11. Djokovic's record is staggering, with 24 Grand Slam singles titles—the highest in men's tennis history—plus 40 Masters 1000 trophies, seven ATP Finals wins, and an Olympic gold medal.

Though Djokovic hasn't added a major title in three years and recently exited early at the US Open, he remains committed to competing, aiming for the 2028 LA Olympics at age 41.

Inspiration Across Generations

Both Tatjana Maria and Novak Djokovic stand as testaments to longevity and resilience in professional tennis. Their careers inspire younger athletes for different reasons—Maria for her adaptability and sustained competitiveness, Djokovic for his unparalleled achievements and enduring presence at the top.