Judy hangs up her racket

Judy Chaloner was only supposed to coach at Campbell Tennis Club for a year.

The retired female tennis star took up the job after an SOS call from the Greenlane club’s former president Arthur Loo in the 1990s.

Although she agreed for a year, Chaloner didn’t anticipate that it would be longer - much longer.

Twenty years later, after dual roles as coach and manager and a revamped junior programme, Chaloner is retiring from the club that kickstarted her professional career as tennis player.

‘‘Twenty years is a long time and all I can say is, it just evolved.’’

Chaloner says she will always be indebted to the club, remembering how she first represented Campbell Tennis in the Caro Bowl competition, Auckland’s premier club event in 1970.

Chaloner has represented New Zealand several times.

Her biggest sporting achievement was at the 1979 Australian Open doubles which she won with Dianne Evers - they had their names on the trophy even before world famous sisters Venus and Serena Williams ever did.

Chaloner says she believes Campbell Tennis Club will produce more national champions in the future.

‘‘I am leaving behind a very competent coaching staff.’’

Chaloner now lives in Australia.