For most athletes, there comes a time to hang it up, and give up competitive sport for good. Whether it’s injuries, age or the mental fortitude, there’s typically a time when it's appropriate to put playing days behind them. Most transition into other roles, and never go back to the sport they once played. 

Judy Dixon is not like most. 

The 73-year-old has been involved with the sport of tennis since she was 11, and thrived as a player throughout her younger years, playing high profile tournaments such as the U.S. Open (three times) and Wimbledon. Over the past 40 years, Dixon has coached tennis at various spots, ending with her tenure as the head women's coach at UMass for 25 years, retiring in 2017.

Tennis has always been in her life, and though she's gotten older, the thrill of competing in the sport hasn't gone away.  

Earlier this year Dixon traveled to West Palm Beach, Fla. to compete in an over 70’s division tournament, putting her in a “good place” for the season. Three weeks ago, she competed in the National Clay Courts tournament, where she was the No. 3 seed, in hopes of putting on a performance that earned her a spot on a world team.

After advancing to the semifinals, she faced Wendy McColskey, the No. 2 ranked player in the world in her age group. Dixon won 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 in an amazing 88 degree, three and a half hour match – punching her ticket to the finals.

But it wasn't over. Next in line was Tina Karwasky, the No. 1 player in the world, and current world champion. Although Dixon lost, as Karwasky took the match in three sets (6-3, 4-6, 6-4), her performance most likely earned her a spot on the world team – something she cherishes a great deal. 

“The reason I continue to compete is I love the team event,” Dixon said. “Playing for one's country on a team is one of the best experiences I've ever had.”

Although it's not set in stone, there's a good chance that Dixon, as well as McColskey, Karwasky and another player will be selected to travel to Mallorca, Spain to represent the United States on the world stage at the ITF Masters tournament from Oct. 8-13. They’ll face the top competitors in their respective age division.

Along with representing her country, which she's done five times in the past, Dixon has consequently found success on the world stage as well, including a gold medal in last year's tournament.

“They say your name, your team name and then put a gold medal around your neck,” Dixon recalled. “There is nothing like that.”

Continuing to play tennis hasn’t always been easy for Dixon. She's dealt with a plethora of health issues in her later years, including multiple brain bleeds, bulging discs, tingling in her arms and hands, and long COVID-19 symptoms. But, if you know Judy Dixon, leaving the tennis court was not an option. 

“It never crossed my mind to stop,” Dixon said. “I do believe you can overcome if you have the desire. My desire to play tennis is much bigger than my desire to give in [to any of my injuries].” 

Besides her love for the sport, the competitive nature keeps Dixon’s fire burning.

“The ability to keep doing something well keeps me going,” Dixon explained. “I like the test. ‘Let's see how you hold up.’ Competing puts me in a place where I can see if I’ve still got it.’”

To achieve what she has, practice is crucial. Dixon, to this day, still practices between an hour and a half and two hours Monday through Friday, every week.

Even through all of her hard work, dedication to the sport and tireless effort to test herself on the court, her success still sometimes baffles her. 

“It's sort of incredible to me,” Dixon said. “I never believed I'd be competing at this age. I never believed I'd be competing as well as this on a team representing my country.” 

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