Five female tennis stars who have defied age in the scorching heat of the Miami Open
Miami Open is a place where there is a battle of technique and strength, and every year some names emerge who break the barriers of age and create history. Winning a title in the women’s singles category after crossing the age of 30 is as difficult as it is inspiring.
This competition is not only a test of mental and physical strength, but it also shows that fitness matters more than age. Today we know about those five female players who won the Miami Open even after the age of 30.
1. Serena Williams – 33 years 7 months
Whenever women’s tennis is mentioned, Serena Williams’ name automatically comes up. In a career spanning 25 years, she has won a record eight titles at the Miami Open. After losing to her sister Venus in the initial years, she made a strong comeback by winning three consecutive titles from 2002 to 2004.
In 2007 and 2008, she added two more titles by defeating Justine Henin and Jelena Jankovic. And the amazing thing was that she completed another hat-trick even after crossing the age of 30. Age was just a number for her.
2. Petra Kvitová – 33 years 1 month
Petra Kvitova of Czechoslovakia is known for her fast serve and sharp forehand. Despite the ups and downs in her career, she reaped the rewards of her hard work by winning the Miami Open in 2023. This victory was also special for her because she not only won her first Miami Open title by defeating Elena Rybakina, but also stopped her from the Sunshine Double.
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This achievement of Petra becomes even more historic because she became the first Czech player to win in Miami.
3. Chris Evert (Christine Marie Evert) – 31 years 4 months
Chris Evert-Lloyd of America is known for her classical baseline play. In 1986, when Martina Navratilova withdrew from the tournament due to the flu, Chris took part in the tournament as the first seed. In the French Open final, she won the title by defeating Steffi Graf in straight sets 6-4, 6-2.
Even though she played a total of four finals in this tournament, she won the title only once. Still, this victory of hers is a symbol of her maturity and experience.
4. Danielle Collins – 30 years 3 months
In 2024, Danielle Collins surprised everyone. Despite being unseeded, she not only won the title by defeating Elena Rybakina in the final, but also became the oldest first-time winner of a WTA 1000 tournament.
Her win was also special because, ranked 53rd in the world, she won the first set 7-5 in the final and then made history by taking full control.
5. Martina Navratilova – 28 years 5 months
Martina Navratilova, one of the most iconic tennis players, made her mark in the first edition of the Miami Open (1985). It was then known as the Lipton International Players Championships and she was the top seed.
She easily defeated Chris Evert-Lloyd in the final to win the title. Not only that, she also won the women’s doubles and mixed doubles titles that same year – a historic triple crown.
Conclusion
While the pace of young players dominates tennis tournaments like the Miami Open, these five experienced players are proof that age is just a number. Staying physically strong and winning at the top level even after crossing the age of 30 is not easy, but it is not impossible either.
Will any other player be able to join this list in the coming years? Or will Serena’s historic victory at the age of 33 years and 7 months remain a long standing record?
ALSO READ: 5 Tennis Stars Who Reached the Miami Open Final at a Young Age
