ITF

ITFWORLD SPRING 2016 23 www.itftennis.com some of his grandchildren, often using his mathematical expertise to explain how understanding the geometry of a tennis court is essential to optimum performance. His biggest frustration these days is that court coverage, always his strength as a player, has become more difficult. Achy knees — both were initially replaced in 1997 — have slowed him down. But he still plans to be on hand to compete at the upcoming 2016 ITF Super-Seniors World Championships in Antalya, Turkey in October. "Father Time is taking its toll and beating up my body," Van Nostrand admitted, smiling. "I'm going to be 82 and you have to expect that. But when I get on the court I don't just shuffle around. I run, although I hurt myself, I still run. It's been a great game and a focal point of my life." something to talk about in common when we get together." Van Nostrand, himself, had one taste of the big time as a young player at the 1970 US National, the precursor to the US Open. He lost in the third match of the pre-qualifying tournament, but became an alternate into the qualifying event, where he also lost. His luck, however, continued when he became a lucky loser into the main draw, falling to Alex Metreveli 64 62 64 in the first round. "I got in not on merit," said Van Nostrand, laughing, of his lone Forest Hills outing. "I snuck in the back door." For Van Nostrand, retiring from high school teaching after 30 years opened the door even wider for his passion for tennis. Since starting to play international seniors tennis in the early 1980s, Van Nostrand's claimed titles at 16 ITF World Team Championships, won ten individual ITF World Championship titles, and six ITF World Championship doubles titles, in a variety of age groups. "It's just amazing to say you are the world champion," Van Nostrand said. "You have something that nobody else of the billions of citizens of the world can say. Of course, it's all age group stuff so you can't take it too seriously. But, hey, I've been the best male player in my age group. And the team thing, you get to play for your country which is an honour and a thrill for me." In 2001, the Van Nostrands relocated to sunny Vero Beach, Florida, where tennis was available to play all year long. And just shy of his 82nd birthday, Van Nostrand still plays four or five times a week when his body allows. He also cherishes his role as a tennis resource for other players in the area, including Royalty Winning the Bitsy Grant Cup, far right with Team USA, in 2011 With his tenth individual World Championship medal in 2014

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