Fotre shifts to center court

At age 81, former film writer has had recent success competing in tennis all over the world.Victor Fotre’s story would have many interesting episodes. The best candidate to write the story would likely be himself.

The 81-year-old former film writer penned the scripts for movies in the 1950s and ‘60s. He was commissioned to make anti-communist movies by the Department of the Defense during the Cold War.

Now, he has moved from behind the scenes to center stage.

Earlier this year, competing in tennis, the Mesa Verde Country Club member won the National Indoor championships for his age group in Vancouver, Wash.

Last month, Fotre was part of the U.S. team in the super senior division at the World Team Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. Eleven countries competed in the tournament and the U.S. team went undefeated and won the title.

In the finals, Fotre’s team beat England for the Gardner--Malloy trophy.

Fotre’s father introduced him to the sport when he was 10. He began playing as a boy in Chicago.

In college, he played competitively at UCLA. During his freshman year, his team won the Southern California Freshman Collegiate Championship.

His collegiate career was interrupted by World War II. During the war, Fotre enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an ensign.

These days, tennis is something that keeps the Newport Beach resident active and helps keep him in shape.

He said tennis has taught him persistence.

“You have to work at it to get good,” Fotre said.

But he also does it for the pleasure of the game.

“If I didn’t still enjoy doing it, I wouldn’t be playing,” Fotre said.

As in any sport, instruction is vital to a player’s performance.

Fotre said he believes the best advice for beginning tennis players is to start playing when you are young, and to have a knowledgeable coach.

“Tennis habits are hard to break,” Fotre said. “A lot of players have their playing style stamped.”

He also said he believes not taking too much time off keeps him sharp.

“If you miss too many games or go too long without playing, it’s tough to get started again,” Fotre said.

Fotre said he plans on playing for as long as his body allows him.