Healthy net result for Shropshire tennis player Gordon, 86

But instead the pensioner plays tennis twice a week – and has no plans to stop anytime soon.

"I've been playing tennis since my early teens, so it's probably about 73 years now," said Mr Moores, who lives in Market Drayton.

"I enjoy it more than ever," he said.

"I just think it's important to tell people don't be afraid to have a go. There's plenty of people around who are willing to help and give advice. The main principle is to keep your eye on the ball and then you will pick up the strokes. It is a great way of keeping fit and having regular exercise. There's also great comradeship with the people you play with as tennis players are a really good crowd to mix with.

"I still play twice a week, always for an hour and a half, often two hours if it goes to a third set. There's a number of veterans at Market Drayton Tennis Club, so we tend to play matches together – and we always play to win."

A big fan of Andy Murray, Mr Moores is looking forward to Wimbledon this year and hopes it will encourage more people to pick up a racquet.

Cathie Sabin, the Lawn Tennis Association president said she hopes people follow Mr Moores' example.

Mrs Sabin, who comes from Much Wenlock, said: "Tennis is a game for all the family and one to be played all together, no matter what your age.

The coaches and volunteers around the county will make everyone welcome."