This year’s Australian Open really is proving that age is just a number!
Three of the oldest players in the men’s singles draw, Marin Cilic (37), Novak Djokovic (38), and Stan Wawrinka (40), have made their way through to the third round.
Cilic has beaten Daniel Altmaier and Denis Shapovalov, Djokovic has beaten Pedro Martinez and Francesco Maestrelli, and Wawrinka has beaten Laslo Djere and Arthur Gea.
While Djokovic’s success was expected, few backed Cilic and Wawrinka to reach the round of 32.
During his latest press conference, Cilic was asked if Wawrinka had inspired him.
Marin Cilic shares his thoughts on Stan Wawrinka and Novak Djokovic
“I didn’t talk to him. But we are, you know, obviously following each other during the year,” said Cilic.
“It’s great to see him doing great and still pushing.
“If it’s motivation for me to keep going for another three years, I have no idea. We’ll see. Take it year after year.
“I think in order to play, to compete at this kind of level, you have to, you know, be really professional from an early age, from 15, 16, 17 to take care of your body.
“That was really the case with my own career, which was always very professional, very disciplined, respectful to the game and to my body.
“Always, you know, having a good team around me, planning well with the schedule, which is important.
“Then I believe it gave me, you know, these few golden years.”
Cilic’s golden years saw him reach three Grand Slam finals, winning one, the 2014 US Open.
The Croat was then asked if he thinks the next generation will be able to follow in his, Wawrinka’s, and Djokovic’s footsteps, and play late into their 30s.
“We are all aware that sports are moving more forward; there is more science in everything,” said Cilic.
“We are more aware of what we need to eat, how to take care of the body.
“Everyone is individual. Some guys can have a more difficult task with their injuries. But overall, I feel we are in such a great time where guys can still play at 35, 36, 37, great tennis.
“With Novak [Djokovic], you know, you see him, he’s taking care of his body so well. He understands it, he knows what he needs. It gives him such a great benefit to be able to play and to do what he’s doing at this age.
“So I believe, you know, these younger generations are here to learn from these experiences.”
What’s next for the veteran trio at the Australian Open?
Cilic will now prepare to take on either Casper Ruud or Jaume Munar in the third round.
Wawrinka will play Taylor Fritz, and Djokovic will play Botic van de Zandschulp.
The 2026 Australian Open third round commences on Friday, January 23.
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