Camaraderie motivates: Age is a net gain for this group of older tennis enthusiasts

The United States Tennis Association did some research recently and noticed an interesting pattern. Pickleball isn’t the only sport growing in popularity.

Tennis grew by 5.6 million players in the past three years in the U.S., according to the association. And if you’re wondering about the age cap for playing, a local pro has an answer.

Jack Malarky, men’s senior tennis coordinator at Overland Park’s Genesis Health Club, says you’re never too old.

“We don’t specify an age for senior tennis, but most are retired at 65 and up — many being way up,” said Malarky, 86.

At age 78, retired doctor George Varghese played a wholehearted comeback three months after five-vessel bypass surgery 20 years ago. During a game, a nitroglycerine patch sticks to his chest.

“I play right now with 82- or 83-year-olds,” Varghese said. “And I have played with 90-year-olds. It’s a sport you can keep playing and you get good exercise.”

Seventy-six-year-old Paul Stevens — sometimes called Tall Paul — formed a lasting friendship with Varghese years ago. The two friends often share a court.

“We always play doubles,” Varghese said. “We go for the ball, front and back and sideways. We’re too old to play (singles).”

Some players who come to Genesis Health Club in Overland Park were late to learning the game. Varghese, who grew up in India, competed in sports, but didn’t try tennis until settling in America in 1971. Malarky calls himself “a Pittsburgh guy” whose wife taught him to play when he was half the age he is now.

Stevens had a head start. “I started playing when I was 8 or 9 years old in Fort Dodge, Iowa,” he said. “My dad had played tennis and he introduced me to it.”

Stevens, who is 6 feet 5 inches tall, said his height helps his serve

“I’m not the fastest on the court, but the serve is probably my strongest stroke.”

Vigorous exercise and group camaraderie are key motivators, Stevens says.

“A good thing is, we’re in a social-type setting. It’s an outlet. A lot of these folks are friends.”

Even so, all are competitors.

“I like to win,” Stevens said. “Everyone wants to win, but no one takes a loss personally.”

Etiquette and respect are far more important to these players than competition. Rarely is an argument heard on the court, according to the players.

And while health episodes may slow them down, these older players often come back to the sport.

Stevens came back with doctor’s approval after months of rehab for a broken leg from a tumble at home. The allure of tennis stays strong.

In fact, love is a well-known word in the language of tennis. Players chant the word repeatedly, as if in a chorus: “I love to play…I love to play…I love the game.”

Malarky’s personal philosophy is a reminder: “A lot of good can come from a friendly game of tennis,” he said.

“A strong case can be made for any age. Put the phone down and pick up a racket.”

For more information on Genesis Health Clubs Overland Park senior coordinator, email jackmalarky@gmail.com.