Stan Wawrinka is the oldest active player in ATP singles as of October 19, 2026. Born on March 28, 1985, the Swiss is 41 and is playing what he has described as his final season. That makes his continued presence on tour remarkable: he is competing against players who were born after he had already won his first Grand Slam title.
The answer depends a little on what you mean by “ATP player.” Wawrinka is the standout answer among active singles players, while doubles specialists can have different careers and retirement timelines. It also helps to separate today’s oldest player from the oldest player ever to win a tour-level singles title.
Who is the oldest active ATP singles player?
Stan Wawrinka is the oldest active regular on the ATP singles tour. He turned 41 in March 2026 and remains a notable presence in a sport where most players reach their peak in their twenties. He has said that 2026 will be his last season, giving fans an opportunity to watch one of the modern era’s most accomplished one-handed backhands in its final year.
Wawrinka’s age is especially striking because his career has included long stretches at the highest level, not just occasional appearances as a veteran. He won three Grand Slam singles titles: the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015, and the US Open in 2016. He also reached a career-high ranking of world No. 3.
| Player | Birth date | Age on October 19, 2026 | Why he stands out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stan Wawrinka | March 28, 1985 | 41 | Oldest active regular in ATP singles; three-time Grand Slam champion |
| Novak Djokovic | May 22, 1987 | 39 | Another highly successful player from an older generation still competing at the top level |
What makes Wawrinka’s longevity unusual?
Staying competitive in your forties is about more than keeping fit. The ATP calendar involves frequent travel, hard-court impacts, and matches that can last several hours. Older players often have to manage their schedules carefully, recover between events, and choose when to push for ranking points.
Wawrinka’s game also shows why a veteran can remain dangerous even when movement becomes harder to sustain. His one-handed backhand can produce heavy, penetrating shots from both wings of the court, and he is comfortable hitting through the ball rather than relying only on defense. When he has time to set up, he can take the racket out of an opponent’s hands with a deep backhand or a powerful forehand.
That does not mean age has no effect. Younger opponents may try to stretch him side to side, make him play extra shots, or bring him forward with short balls. Wawrinka’s best response is often to keep points from becoming a pure running contest: serve well, take the ball early when possible, and use his groundstrokes to control the center of the court. On a good day, his power can shorten rallies. On a difficult day, recovery and movement can become more noticeable.
Oldest active player versus oldest ever
“Oldest ATP player” can refer to two different records. Wawrinka is the answer for the current singles tour in 2026. The historical record for the oldest player to win an ATP-level singles title belongs to Australian great Ken Rosewall, who won a tour-level title at 43 in 1977.
Rosewall’s achievement came in a different era, when the tour calendar, equipment, and player support systems were not the same as they are today. Comparing careers across generations is difficult, but his title remains a striking mark of longevity. Wawrinka’s three major titles, by contrast, show what sustained success in the modern best-of-five era can look like.
Does the answer include doubles players?
Not always. The phrase “ATP player” can include both singles and doubles competitors, and doubles specialists may keep playing after they stop pursuing singles rankings. That can make the oldest active player across the entire tour different from the oldest active singles player.
For a clear answer, check the category being discussed: ATP singles, ATP doubles, or a specific tournament draw. The age of an active player can also change quickly when someone retires, takes an extended break, or enters a late-career event. Wawrinka is the useful name to know for the oldest active player in ATP singles in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Stan Wawrinka?
Wawrinka was born on March 28, 1985. He is 41 years old on October 19, 2026.
Is Stan Wawrinka the oldest ATP player ever?
No. He is the oldest active regular in ATP singles in 2026. Ken Rosewall holds the historical distinction of winning an ATP-level singles title at 43 in 1977.
How many Grand Slam titles has Wawrinka won?
He has won three: the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015, and the US Open in 2016.
Does “oldest ATP player” include doubles competitors?
It can. Because singles and doubles players may have different careers, a question about the oldest player on the entire ATP tour is not always the same as one about the oldest singles player.
Final Thoughts
For ATP singles, Stan Wawrinka is the oldest active player as of October 19, 2026, at 41. His three major titles and willingness to keep competing make his late-career run more than a statistic. The broader record belongs to Ken Rosewall, whose tour-level title at 43 remains one of tennis’s clearest examples of extraordinary longevity.
