Tennis: Octo trio are young at heart on court (+video)

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Serena Williams might all be on the top of their game, but they are not the only ones perfecting their ball skills.

Meet Rotorua Tennis Club's 80s club - veterans Alan Petley, 88, Greta Anema, 84, and the baby of the group, Ken Podmore, 81, make a stellar trio.

Petley has embraced his eldest member badge with pride and was recently awarded Personality of the Year by the Rotorua club.

Tennis has always been a part of Petley's life. He started playing in 1935, aged 7, and the spirited player has no plans to hang up his racket despite having had two hip and knee operations.

"I loved the game from the very first time I picked up the racket and I'll be playing until I drop dead.

"I'm as competitive as ever and won't give up in a game without a fight and I think that competitive edge has kept me wanting to turn up every week.

"I'm a great believer in exercise: I played loads of different sports growing up, like wrestling, and keeping moving is even more important now.

"Age shouldn't come into it.

"I tell everyone, regardless of their age, to just keep moving and have a go at doing something."

Petley plays twice a week at the club, and competes in the veterans' league, where anyone over the age of 35 is eligible.

The tennis ace is pleased with his all-round game and believes his "devilish drop shot" is its most deadly element.

"My serve is still strong, no under arm for me which is quite rare in the older game," he said. "And my best shot has to be a drop shot, which I do use especially when I'm playing the ladies because they hate it.

"It can be very hard on the knees running into the net."

Petley is joined regularly on the court by Anema and Podmore, who both grew to love the game later in life.

"I turned to tennis when I was 60, as squash had always been my first love," said Dutch-born Anema, who has lived in Rotorua for 50 years.

"And I love it mainly because of the companionship.

"I have to say Alan is definitely the most competitive out of us three, but he's great fun to play with."

Podmore added: "I must have been about 53 when I first started playing the game properly.

"The club were so welcoming and it's a real highlight of the week getting out on to the court.

"Don't let our age fool you, we can still play a mean game."

Petley joined Rotorua Tennis Club in 1994, after being a member at Lynmore, and has made a big impact, according to treasurer Margaret White.

"Without fail Alan will be first at the club on his two days, putting up the nets and sorting everything out,"she said.

"It's incredible.

"I'm delighted he received the little award recently, and he just goes to show that age is just a number.

"I hope our 80s club continues to grow because they really are a credit to the game."