National champion Ronald Perdue inspires through senior tennis success

For many athletes, tennis is more than a sport. It is a lifelong passion that keeps the body active and the mind sharp. Across the country, state senior games and tournaments continue to grow in popularity as players over 50 prove that competition does not have an age limit.

Senior tennis offers something unique. While the matches are competitive, the atmosphere is often built around friendship, community and appreciation for the game itself. Players train hard, travel to tournaments and celebrate the opportunity to stay active while connecting with others who share the same love for tennis.

One player who understands the value of senior athletics is Ronald Perdue. Perdue won the Men’s 85 Doubles division at the 2025 National Senior Games in Des Moines, Iowa, with doubles partner Ted Hollembeak from Emporia, Kan.

Perdue plans to compete again this year at the Oklahoma Senior Games, which take place Aug. 21-23 at Case Tennis Center at LaFortune Park, a USTA Premier Facility.

All Oklahoma residents who compete at the 2026 Oklahoma Senior Games in tennis will qualify for the 2027 National Senior Games, with Tulsa serving as the host city for the national competition next year. It will be Perdue’s first year to qualify for the Men’s 90s division.

When asked to describe aging in one word, Perdue answered simply: “enjoy.” That single word captures the spirit of senior games perfectly.

Perdue first discovered his love for tennis at just 17 years old while playing during the summer of 1953. Born and raised in Muskogee, Okla., but currently living in Tulsa, he still enjoys his senior softball league and plays golf twice a week on top of tennis.

“I enjoy the competition, exercise and meeting a bunch of nice people,” he said.

His passion for tennis and dedication to staying active continues to inspire fellow senior athletes. For Perdue, tennis has provided not only physical activity but also lasting friendships and opportunities to compete at a high level.

Competing at the National Senior Games has been especially meaningful for him.

“It still means a lot to win a national title at this stage of my life,” Perdue said. “Even though I have won several other titles in both tennis and softball in past NSG, it is still very satisfying.”

That sense of accomplishment is something many senior athletes understand. The National Senior Games are about more than medals. They represent years of dedication, discipline and a commitment to healthy living.