Encouragement for older tennis players: Keep playing and have fun
I would like to offer a word of encouragement to older tennis players.
I competed in the National Women’s Tennis Tournament in Houston, Texas. It was held March 27-April 1, 2023 at the Houston Racquet Club. Age divisions ranged from 35 and over to 85 and over. The 75 and over age division was well represented with 29 women competing. I played in the 85 and over age division, and there were 12 women in that age group. Some were as young as 85. I was 87.5 years old. The photo shows the winner, Roz King of San Diego, California, holding the magnificent trophy. I am standing next to Roz. This is the closest I will ever get to that trophy!
In my first round match I played against Lola O’Sullivan from New York, who lives in Florida during the winter. She is one of the “youngsters”. I was happy to win two games. The result was 6-1, 6-1. Lola later lost to Roz King, but won the consolation round.
The matches were interesting because my opponents noticed that I couldn’t move (balance issues). When the balls came to me, I was good, but for the balls that were out of reach, I smiled and said, “Good shot.” It was amazing how well these 85+ players could run all over the court. I trained one day with a 92 year old friend and she moved well around the court too. I hope you all are inspired by this.
In my consolation match, I played against Barbara Oldfield of San Diego, California. She won 6-4, 6-2. There were many exciting matches in the younger age groups. I watched with amazement some of the points played by Shelly Works and her opponent (55 and older division) where the ball crossed the net at least 30 times. Shelly used to live in Oak Ridge and I actually played with her in Jackson Square, but now she lives in Texas. Some of the younger players had played tennis in college and it was a pleasure to watch these matches.
A highlight of the tournament was the free breakfast and free lunch every day. Breakfast was really healthy with porridge, fruit, yogurt, egg burrito, etc. Lunch was plentiful – sometimes hamburgers, chicken breast, roast beef, soups, various salads, etc.
Another highlight was the outdoor banquet in the pool area. There was live entertainment and the food and desserts were excellent.
It was really nice to see my old friends again, whom I hadn’t seen for over two years. At the banquet, my friend Burnette Herrick from North Carolina wore a sparkling outfit and entertained us with exotic solo dances. Later, several players came on stage.
I had dinner one night at Prego Italian Cuisine with an old friend, Vashati Pal Brink, who had lived in Oak Ridge. Vashati’s father, Dr. Bimal Pal, worked in the biology department at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. After dinner, Vashati entertained me by taking me to my favorite stores, Dollar Tree and Dress for Less, and we did a little sightseeing in Houston.
My trip to Houston was really worthwhile. First, I was able to relax from my hotel room. (I had been staying in a hotel since December 3rd because my house was damaged.) It was great to see my old friends, watch some great tennis, play two matches and enjoy some wonderful meals.
The most important thing I want to convey to my friends who are 85 years old and older is to keep playing tennis, keep having fun and enjoy social occasions.
Fay Martin is a long-time resident of Oak Ridge.
