Donna Fales has been playing tennis for almost 60 years, but you might say she's on top of her game.

The 69-year-old Coral Gables woman is in Perth, Australia, to represent the United States at the International Tennis Federation Super-Senior World Team Championship.

They are playing for the Kitty Godfree Cup for women 65 and older. ``I'm thrilled,'' Fales said. ``It's an honor any time you have the opportunity to represent your country.''

The competition will take place all this week on grass courts, which might be an advantage for Fales.

In 2008, she won the Grass Courts Doubles Nationals, among other competitions. Her team is looking forward to the experience she will bring.

``Donna is our ace in the hole,'' said Suella Steel, 67, one of the players on Fales' team. ``She's a world-class player, and we're counting on her.''

Fales' team includes three other players, from different parts of the country. Steel is from LaJolla, Calif. Also playing is Lee Delfausse from Waitsfield, Vt., and Cathie Anderson from Del Mar, Calif.

``You have to play in different events to qualify,'' Fales said. ``It's based more on record than ranking.''

The team has never played together.

``I've played against her in doubles, but I've never played with her,'' Steel said. ``In singles, she is listed as No. 1, and I'm No. 2.''

The pair first met when they were teens and their fathers were playing tennis. She followed Fales' career and is happy to be playing on the same team.

``She was my idol,'' Steel said. ``And here we are playing together.''

This won't be Fales' first international competition. She has played in New Zealand, Austria, England, South Africa and many other countries.

Tennis is a big part of Fales' life.

``I like the physically and intellectually challenging part of the competition,'' she said.

Fales has been practicing for the competition at the Royal Palm Tennis Club.

Susan Cohen, a friend who sometimes practices with Fales, said she will be rooting for her friend to win.

``Donna is a great tennis player and a wonderful human being,'' said Cohen, 66, of Kendall.

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