The past year has shown us one more very clear and interesting picture. There is a growing age difference between the peak periods of the MS and WS players.
Maybe 10 or 15 years ago, there was not much of an age difference. Mens Singles players would peak anywhere from 24 to 27 years. A few even later. The WS players similarly, would peak around 24-27 years, and some would remain at their peak until even 30 years or thereabouts.
But things appear to be changing. Although the MS players seem to peak at roughly the same period (24-27 years) the better players are showing the ability to actually maintain that peak performance until 28 or 30 years. In the amazing case of Peter Gade, it goes past 33 years!
And this means that with no really sharp new players coming through quickly, we may be faced with a very scrappy, young-versus-old situation at roughly the OG2012 time! 
The WS scene however, has changed drastically. The WS players appear to be peaking much earlier. Most of the top ranked players are now in the 20-22 years age group. The older players (24-28 years) are still around, but just cannot cope with the swiftness and agility of the younger girls. Is it because there are just too many, really good younger girls coming through the system at the same time? Is it because of other factors?
One thing is certain: you will not find top ranked players around 26 years or more, in the WS today.
Maybe 10 or 15 years ago, there was not much of an age difference. Mens Singles players would peak anywhere from 24 to 27 years. A few even later. The WS players similarly, would peak around 24-27 years, and some would remain at their peak until even 30 years or thereabouts.
But things appear to be changing. Although the MS players seem to peak at roughly the same period (24-27 years) the better players are showing the ability to actually maintain that peak performance until 28 or 30 years. In the amazing case of Peter Gade, it goes past 33 years!
And this means that with no really sharp new players coming through quickly, we may be faced with a very scrappy, young-versus-old situation at roughly the OG2012 time! The WS scene however, has changed drastically. The WS players appear to be peaking much earlier. Most of the top ranked players are now in the 20-22 years age group. The older players (24-28 years) are still around, but just cannot cope with the swiftness and agility of the younger girls. Is it because there are just too many, really good younger girls coming through the system at the same time? Is it because of other factors?
One thing is certain: you will not find top ranked players around 26 years or more, in the WS today.
