Linda Keller and Mary Fernandes at their happy place (photo by Kathie Marshall)
Kathie Marshall
At first glance, the match seems wildly unfair: a pair of 80-year-olds who warm up by discussing knee replacements; versus two younger players who bounce around like teenagers, confident that they are sure to annihilate their elderly opponents. But five minutes in, something curious happens. The octogenarians are winning with their court positioning and shot placement. They have all the shots—a slice return that floats low over the net and dies on impact, a perfectly timed lob as they see their opponents hugging the net. Their years of experience have taught them that placement, reduced errors, and strategy are what matters in doubles. Rallies end the same way: the younger team wondering how they just lost a point they were certain they were winning. And the longer the match goes on, the more it starts to feel less like a contest of athleticism and more like an ambush. Somehow, the younger players are unraveling—defeated not by speed, but by the surefire weapon of experience.
The SaddleBrooke Ranch Tennis Association has members with a range of experience and age and is proud to claim octogenarians among the ranks. Two such players are Mary Fernandes and Linda Keller, who as partners in a recent Interclub match battled over three hours and triumphed. Their combined experience and competitive spirit prevailed. Mary and Linda have been playing since they were 30. Both are 82 years young and have over 100 years of playing and competitive experience between them. They love competition and have played USTA (United States Tennis Association) and Interclub competitive tennis for years. Linda and her team reached nationals in 1998, and Mary has competed in seven USTA sectional tournaments. Mary began her love affair with tennis at 30 after participating in other competitive sports. She had early instruction from a young college player who asked her if “she wanted to win or learn to hit the ball correctly?” Wisely, she chose the latter and today her most formidable shot is her forward and backhand slice.
Mary and Linda make a great doubles’ team. Linda’s strength is her consistency. When asked what the key to their success on the court is, Linda replied. “We never give up!” to which Mary chimed in, “We don’t worry about what’s in the past. We just play the next point.”
They have had injuries throughout the years but manage to keep them at a minimum by having a strict regimen of yoga, strength, and stretch exercises. They stretch before and after play. To them aging is an attitude and they have chosen to keep moving and enjoy life.
Linda and Mary are an inspiration to all who love the sport. They are a reminder that people can play tennis well into their 80s and beyond. They can win competitive matches, too. With a twinkle in her eye, Linda recounts her favorite adage, “Old age and treachery overcome youth and enthusiasm!”