Rob Salmon with… Edward Oakenfull, GB Seniors Tennis selector
We’re delighted to introduce a new regular column by Rob Salmon, host of the brilliant My Tennis Journey podcast. Rob talks to people from all walks of tennis life, and he’ll be bringing us his unique take on the chats he has with his extraordinary variety of guests, each of whom has a special tennis story to tell.
In this first instalment, inspired by his interview with GB’s Seniors Tennis selector Edward Oakenfull, Rob reflects on embracing feeling young again in middle age…
Why Seniors Tennis means I’m looking forward to turning 50
by Rob Salmon
It’s a strange thing to say in a way isn’t it? But I’m looking forward to turning 50. Looking forward to getting one year older because it means I will become the baby of the over 50 age group in tennis! The new kid (or more accurately middle aged adult) on the block.
I’d not really given this much thought until I interviewed Edward Oakenfull, the Head of Selection for Men’s Teams for Seniors Tennis GB on the My Tennis Journey podcast.
But now I have thought about it I am excited! You see seniors tennis age groups start at over 35s and then go up in five year blocks all the way up to over 80s and beyond.
When you enter a new age group that is when you become the young one. The player the older players in the age group need to look out for - or at least that’s what I’m hoping!
Having chatted to Edward, I’m going to step up my training, my match practice, my nutrition - I’m going to start preparations for my over 50s tennis campaign.
There’s a lot to look forward to as a Seniors Tennis player. Local tournaments, regional tournaments, national tournaments and even international events.
I’ve seen friends and family perform well at national events and be picked to represented GB in World Team Championships. They’ve got to travel the World wearing the tracksuit of their nation - something I’d absolutely love!
I’m not quite sure this is the adventure that awaits me - but I am excited about playing tennis in to my 50s and beyond. Demonstrating once again what a brilliant constant companion tennis can be through life.
To hear Rob's interview with Edward Oakenfull and find out all about Seniors Tennis GB, head to My Tennis Journey: Seniors Tennis GB Interview.
