Federer and Nadal lead the charge of the veterans
Older heads hold their own at Indian Wells
Indian Wells: Young players have pulled off many significant victories at this year’s BNP Paribas Open, but some of their elders are still going strong.
The success of 37-year-old Roger Federer, 38-year-old Venus Williams, 35-year-old Philipp Kohlschreiber, and 40-year-old Ivo Karlovic is worth noting, and 32-year-old Rafael Nadal was asked his thoughts on why those players have remained competitive at advanced ages.
“First thing, of course, you are passionate about what you are doing,” Nadal said on Wednesday after an easy 6-3, 6-4 victory over qualifier Filip Krajinovic launched him into the quarter-finals. “Second thing, you are able to work on the prevention of injuries. Treat your body the right way.”
Federer also reached the quarter-finals, brushing off poor-serving Kyle Edmund in an uneventful 6-1, 6-4 victory. Federer applauded the ability of older players to remain competitive.
“I think No. 1, you’ve got to be happy to be on tour,” he said. “It’s very simple, because usually you’re not at your career high ranking-wise anymore at that age. So you have to pick on something else that’s exciting for you, whatever that may be — travels, match play, practice, life on the road. So you’ve got to be passionate about what you do.”