Tennis golden oldies Federer and Serena have raised the age-barrier, says former British no.1 Tim Henman
Eight-time Wimbledon champ Roger Federer and seven-time winner Serena Williams - both 36 - look to be in no rush to slow down their world domination
TIM HENMAN has told tennis fans to get used to this generation of golden oldies.
Eight-time Wimbledon champ Roger Federer and seven-time winner Serena Williams - both 36 - look to be in no rush to slow down their world domination.
Grand Slam greats Andy Murray, Rafa Nadal, Novak Dojokovic and Venus WIlliams are all also in their 30s.
And former British no.1 and four times SW19 semi-finalist Henman, who retired at 33, reckons seeing the old guard go into battle is becoming the new normal.
HSBC ambassador Tiger Tim said: "I think there have been newer training techniques, recovery techniques and injury prevention that have improved over the years.
"And the way guys Like Roger and Serena manage their schedules - they are great role models for the younger generation.
"I retired at 33 and that at the time was pretty late, but it was the right time for me to do it as my game wasn't getting any better.
"I was ranked around 30 or 40 in the world and I thought for the first time whether I was there to win tournaments or just make up the numbers.
"Pete Sampras stopped at 30 - so it puts into context certainly what Roger, Serene, Venus and some others in their late 30s are doing.
"The game is more physical because it is played from the baseline - so it takes time for players to mature physically and mentally.
"Whereas when you were playing on faster court the rallies were shorter - so maybe it is now taking players longer to break through."
Henman retired 10 years ago - but is still a big part of Wimbledon and even sits on the wildcard committee.
And he still remembers his first appearance at the home of tennis.
Recalling his debut, he added: "The first time I played on Centre Court was in 1996.
"I played the French Open champion Yevgeny Kafelnikov who was seeded no.3 or no.4. But for me, I had been to Wimbledon for the first time when I was about six-years-old.
"So I felt like I had 15 years preparing for that moment. I felt so comfortable.
"I remember in the lead-up to the match, for three or four days before the tournament I went out and sat in the stands for 15 to 20 minutes with it empty.
"I did it to soak it all up, so when I went on the court I wasn't looking around, I was going to be concentrating on the job in hand.
"And the warm-up before the match is probably the only knock-up I can remember in my whole career.
"Then we started playing, didn't miss a ball and broke serve in the first game. Because of the grass, you can't practice on the courts, so it was just part of the plan to make sure I was acclimatised."
HSBC is the Official Banking Partner of The Championships, Wimbledon and has supported the Wimbledon Foundation through ticket resale since 2008.