Reaching the summit at 74 - Marjory Love is Scotland's latest world number one

Marjory, 74, reached the pinnacle by winning the World Individual Championships in Turkey in March, coming from a set down in the final to complete an incredible trip which also saw Great Britain win the World Team Championship 75+ (also known as the Queen’s Cup).

Two other Scots – Christine Windmill and Christine Lockhart – featured in that four-strong GB team, which inspired Marjory to go all the way in the Individual event.

That victory meant she became world number one for the first time in a stellar seniors tennis career which has seen her lift 80 titles on the ITF Masters Tour.

“It’s been a bit overwhelming,” Marjory said. “I don’t expect to be number one for long, but for the moment it’s nice and I’m very pleased to have managed it.

“It was a great experience in Turkey. We didn’t expect to win the team championships, especially as we played the United States in the semi-finals and they have always been a difficult match for us. Things went our way and Christine Windmill was exceptional in the deciding doubles.

“We then had to play France in the final and they were the holders, so again we had no expectations, but we managed to come through. It was a great team effort by everyone.”

'Three crocks'

Marjory, who lives in Renfrewshire, dropped just three sets in her eight singles matches across both events and said having her long-time friends and teammates by her side helped motivate her to secure the Individual title.

She said: “Winning the team event gave me great impetus for the Individual competition. It was extra special that my friends were there as I go a long way back with both Christine Windmill (pictured with Marjory below) and Christine Lockhart.

“The other player in the team – Rosemary Wilson – told a very funny story about how a friend of hers thought she’d told them she was playing alongside ‘three crocks’ rather than ‘three Scots’.”

'I still get great enjoyment'

Marjory is much-loved and respected in the Scottish tennis community and earlier this year defended both her ITF Masters titles in Glasgow and Wrexham. She is now looking forward to the British Open Masters Clay-Court Championships in Bournemouth at the end of May and, in the meantime, is playing regularly at her club, Newlands LTC.

“I still get great enjoyment from playing,” she said. “The seniors tennis – or veterans as it used to be called – allows us the opportunity to compete with players of the same age, and keeps us interested as long as we’re fortunate enough to stay fit and healthy, which I have been very lucky to do.

“It’s a huge honour to be selected for GB and to play internationally, and there is a great spirit on the Masters tour. Playing tennis has so many lifestyle and fitness benefits, and it’s inspiring to see so many people still competing at our age.”