Tennis veteran Gene, 86, is still targeting world championships
GENE Harris, 86, one of the oldest tennis players in the country, is hoping to compete in another world championships later this year, writes
Internationally ranked in the men’s over-85s category, he represents Carisbrooke Tennis Club in Leicester and was among the team for a Leicestershire Men’s League match at Loughborough Lawn Tennis Club.
“I’ve been a member of Carisbrooke for many years now, but this was my first match here at the Loughborough club for around ten years,” said Gene.
“It’s good to be back here and seeing one or two familiar faces.
“I’m going to be in Bournemouth soon at the West Hants Tennis Club for the British Veterans Clay Court Championships.
“I’ll play in both singles and doubles in the championships in the over-85 age group.
“The squad for the world championships to be held in October is selected after Bournemouth and I’m hoping to make the squad in both singles and doubles in the over-85s.
“I played in the 2022 World Championships, held in Florida, reaching the third round in the singles and semi-finals in the doubles.
“Conditions at the time were difficult. I played one of my singles when the temperature reached 96 degrees Fahrenheit!
“The next big event I’m playing, after Bournemouth, is the National Veterans Championships at Wimbledon in August.
“I’m looking to play in both singles and doubles again.
“I partnered with Gordon Oates last year and we won the over-85s doubles, so we go into this year’s event as defending champions.
“My current rankings in the over85s is number three in singles in the British rankings.
“In the world rankings, I’m 50 in singles and 30 in doubles.”