Gail Falkenberg, 69, Plays in Pro Tennis Tournament in Alabama

Gail Falkenberg won a match in a pro tennis tournament this week in Alabama. While that typically wouldn't be headline news, she's receiving a lot of attention because that victory came at age 69. 

Tom Perrotta of the Wall Street Journal passed along Falkenberg's story, which received a boost when she defeated 22-year-old Rosalyn Small on Sunday. Her run came to an end Monday with a loss to Taylor Townsend, a promising American 50 years younger, but her outlook remains positive.

"I know I can keep getting better," Falkenberg said. "There's always something to work on with tennis."

She was trying to qualify for the ITF Pro Circuit event in Pelham, Alabama, this week before running into Townsend. She lost 6-0, 6-0 and won just 12 points in the match, but she sounded like a longtime professional afterward, per Perrotta: "Taylor, she was hitting spots like crazy."

Perrotta noted she was a walk-on tennis player at UCLA. She didn't decide to try her hand at the pro game until age 38 and has continued to play despite often losing by a considerable margin, as was the case against Townsend. Beating Small was her first professional victory since 1998, according to the report.

She's qualified to compete on the ITF circuit this season because of her performance in the U.S. Open National Playoffs last year, which resulted in 12 rankings points. She prefers the younger competition compared to seeking out a senior league.

"I enjoy being around the younger generation," Falkenberg told the Wall Street Journal. "And my game gives the kids more trouble than the older players, believe it or not."

The former UCF tennis coach added: "I'd love to be playing—and win—at 70. I'm six months away from that."

All told, it's a remarkable story. A player like Francesca Schiavone is considered one of the wily veterans of the WTA Tour, and she's only 35. Falkenberg is nearly double that age, and she's still out there trying to qualify for tournaments against players often trying to get their start in the professional game.

The Wall Street Journal noted her efforts have earned her the nickname "The Legend." One thing's for sure: Her legend is beginning to grow, not necessarily for her results on the court, but rather for her determination.

If Falkenberg has her way, that won't change as she hits her milestone 70th birthday and keeps searching for more victories with an old-school game that's clearly stood the test of time.