Professional tennis players usually retire at a young age, but some continue to play for a long time. One such player is Julie Thu, based in Austin, who is the highest-ranked woman in her age group in both singles and doubles. She is representing the USA in the ITF Masters World Championships in Japan.
Julie Thu explained that the Masters Division in tennis starts at age 30 and goes up to age 90, with incremental age groups every five years. This division allows former professional players or recreational players to compete against others in their age group. Playing against peers with similar abilities and experiences can be very fulfilling, especially in the older age divisions.
Even though Julie Thu is labeled as a “former” tennis player, she has found a new passion in competing at a high level in age-level tournaments. She emphasizes the health benefits of tennis and the sense of community it brings. Tennis is known as the sport of a lifetime, allowing players to compete well into their senior years.
Julie Thu’s journey with tennis began at a young age, playing with her parents and following in her older brother’s footsteps. She fell in love with the sport’s individual nature and strategic elements, ultimately deciding to focus solely on tennis in high school.
In Japan, Julie Thu is part of Team USA for the 45s age division in a cup competition between countries. She is hopeful to continue playing for a long time as long as she stays injury-free. Tennis has been shown to add years to a person’s life, inspiring Julie to stay fit and competitive well into her older years.
For those inspired by Julie Thu’s story, it’s never too late to start playing tennis. Organizations like the National Women’s Tennis Organization offer opportunities for players of all ages to compete in age-level events. Starting with a local clinic and getting a friend to play with can be the first step towards a fulfilling tennis journey.
Julie Thu’s story is a reminder that tennis is a sport that transcends age and can bring joy, health benefits, and a sense of community to players of all backgrounds. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, picking up a racket and hitting the court can lead to a lifetime of enjoyment and competition.
