· By Tom Becker, Coach
Sixty Players, Zero Egos
Last weekend's Seniors Festival brought sixty players aged 55 to 81 onto our courts for three days of doubles — and reminded everyone watching why this event has a waiting list. The tennis was crafty, the laughing was constant, and the final between two pairs with a combined age of 284 was genuinely superb.
Why It Works
Short sets keep every match under an hour. Rotating partners mean nobody sits out and everybody meets somebody. And our coaches run a 15-minute "old knees, new tricks" warm-up each morning — mobility first, then slices, lobs and doubles positioning that wins points without sprinting.
The Real Headline
Four of this year's players started tennis after 60 — two of them at our own academy. If you've been telling yourself you're too old, too stiff or too late, come and watch a Thursday morning session. You'll change your mind by the second game.
Senior group sessions run Tuesday and Friday mornings, with discounted membership for players over 65. Rackets provided — just bring comfortable shoes.
