ITF

ITF World Summer 2021 41 so mum became the willing participant. As they grew, so did she, becoming a very astute and knowledgeable player and coach. "For me, she was trainer, practice partner, opponent, scout, nutritionist, travel agent, shrink and coach – anything and everything. She started out as each of our children's first big win. "She continues, on occasion, to travel with me, sharing the fun and camaraderie in the fraternity of Seniors tennis." However, it has not all been champagne and celebration. As Van Nostrand concedes, life for him and Boots has been "marred by some serious bumps in the proverbial road". Despite this, Van Nostrand considers himself to have been extremely fortunate to lead the life he has and he is determined to slow the sands of time. He may well be on his second set of titanium knees – he had initial implants in 1998, with one lasting nine years and the other 11 – but his hunger remains. "The player of today is fitter, more mobile and more versatile than those of yesteryear," he said. "Those taller men, who lumbered around the court after their big service weapon came back, have been replaced with really athletic, all-around players. "It is not surprising that this is true in the Young Seniors and well into mid-life, while we old guys are struggling with just getting up in the morning and taking our pills and potions. "In my carry bags these days are fewer rackets and more RX stuff like tape, bandages, wraps, straps and sleeves. And along with not hearing very well, my sometimes too active bladder is a serious and embarrassing worry. "I have to plan well ahead for this fearful fact of senior life. When I travel long distance, not only do I Van Nostrand has had immense fun and enormous success in Seniors tennis and has designs on li ing more silverware yet calculate each leg and step of the journey, I factor in periodic pit stops. "As a realist, I know my days are numbered and there will definitely be a time when I have to hang up my racket. Perhaps it will come as I try to chase down a well-placed drop shot. They can just dig a hole near the net and roll me in. That would be a good way to go." While levity is a constant theme of his e-mail chain, the ardent hope is that Van Nostrand has plenty more gas in the tank and many moments still to cherish. Indeed, this interview prompted him to recall one of his most prized – he even unearthed a lost gem in the process – dating back to his first ITF World Championships in 1981. In many respects, the tale goes some way to defining his outlook. "The Dubler Cup in 1981 was a very big deal and, at the time, the only international team competition, other than Davis Cup, for men," said Van Nostrand. "All the great stars from years earlier were itching to make a quantifiable tennis comeback and couldn't wait to become eligible at the age of 45 to compete at an ITF-sanctioned event. "That year, it was held at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club and it was very exciting for me just to be there. So many teams had at least one, if not two, former champions and Davis Cup veterans. Great Britain, for instance, had three in the form of Bobby Wilson, Roger Becker and Alan Mills. "USA had none and I was in awe to be in the same draw as so many players who I had read about and followed. "I was our No. 1 player and Hugh Stewart our No. 2. When I followed Hughie on court we were always 1-0 up. Knowing my opponent had to win or be eliminated was very relaxing and I took advantage of that. "By the end of the week, my tournament singles record was 4-0, beating three former Davis Cuppers. We defeated Great Britain in the final where my opponent was confident he would go through me because he had never heard of me. "To him I was a nobody. After 6-4 6-4 he knew who I was. Thinking back, it was probably my biggest personal playing thrill." Van Nostrand had forgotten that he had recorded this moment and his time in Argentina in a diary. Having uncovered it, he spent an enjoyable few hours reliving the experience, prompting perhaps his most contemplative reflection. He says poignantly: "During the course of my career, I have nudged more than a few former greats back into retirement, their dreams of one more shot at glory and fame shattered by a nobody." As he knows only too well, King Van Nostrand is anything but a nonentity. n

• Cover