Laender Paes....41 and going

LP just started 2015 with another win in double. If he peaked at 27....that's a bloody long decline. I know double is not as physical as singles but it makes me laugh when people say eye/hand coord declines after 27 (24 even according to FK). We can see guys like Berrer, Muller, Federer, Lopez, Karlo all over 30 able to volley better now than when they were 27!
This is essentially explained by a better reading of the game, better anticipation while keeping reflexes pretty close to peak, better tactically, better at recognising opoosition weaknesses, etc... If Paes had started declining after 27, at 41 he would be completely useless and noone woudl want to partner with him on the tour.

However I agree that Paes would have no  chance at 41 on the single tour cause it is way too physical out there and at 41 every single muscle cell would be aching like crazy. It probably does now for him even though it's double.

But my point is that some part of the game, especially in tennis, improve way after 27.

When do you think reflexes decline?

Probably around 32-35 but it is difficult to say as anticipation, reading game plays a huge role in tennis. So it might earlier than 32 but if it is, it's not maximised by experience.

As i mentioned in the past, a pianist often plays better at 50 than at 24.

Yes, the more you play, the better the feel and ball control esp if you've been gifted with good hand to eye coordination like Paes.

A bit like Bahrani, sheer magic in the hands...but they are now almost obsolete...

In the 70's, 80's- in boxing esp- 27 on was considered a slow decline in boxing, which could be made up for and compensated by more experience, harder training, better tactics- to early/mid 30's at best. At that point, the young guns just had too much of an advantage. Other sports- I was always told the same by coaches, management.

I would agree with better training now, diet, advances that the decline is prob not seen until 30 or so and the point of no return is prob 35-37 at the true top of the game. Take so of the physical out of it like doubles and early 40's is certainly attainable