After having a great 2013 tennis season, Gordon Verge is coming off an even better 2014 season, one that sees him ranked higher than he could have imagined in the masters (80-plus) tennis world.
At the age of 80, Gordon Verge is still going strong, and getting better. The 2014 tennis season for Verge has been a good one, to say the least. In July of this year, Verge was ranked No. 46 in singles competition and No. 37 in doubles in the world by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
As of this month, Parksville’s Verge now sits at No. 25 in the world in singles and No. 11 in doubles. Quite an accomplishment considering, back in 2005, he was ranked No. 466 in the world in singles competition.
“It’s been quite a journey,” Verge said of his success this year. “People laugh every time I make the comparison to being like a fine wine, but funny enough it’s becoming true. Looking back to where I started in 2005 with the ranking to now, it’s remarkable. It’s one of those things where, you look at it and say; maybe I can crack the top 400, then 350. I’ve reached 25 in the world, so who knows what comes next.”
Ranked No. 1 in B.C and by Tennis Canada in both the singles and doubles, Verge will be able to enjoy some relaxation over the winter after an excellent season of tennis, his best to date.
With appearances in the provincial (first place) and national finals (second place), Verge earned a spot on Team Canada’s roster, as both a singles and doubles player, for the World Championships; which were held in Turkey this past October.
“I’ve been amazed at how things have gone,” Verge said. “Being able to enjoy this game and having fun with it, it’s been great. I don’t give too much thought to the trophies or things like that, I just enjoy playing the game and staying in shape.”
Verge, who moved to the area back in 1991, has been enjoying his retirement here after living in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The game of tennis has been a joy, whether it’s coaching or playing the game. Verge has been coach of the tennis program at Ballenas Secondary School and gives lessons to anyone looking to pick up the game. He also holds a training session at the courts in Bowser every year as well.
“Being able to get others involved is great,” Verge said. “Sharing the game with people that want to learn and people that love the game is the best thing. The weather is great around here and it makes it all that much more enjoyable to get out there and hit the ball around.”
Verge will now look to the New Year, where the tennis program at Ballenas Secondary School will start up in March, weather permitting. From there, it’s back to training to prepare for his 2015 season where Verge will look to maintain his rankings within B.C., Tennis Canada and the I.T.F.
“We’ll see what next year brings. I still love the game and I love being able to travel the world with it, so I’m going to keep going for a few more years at least.”
