Mr Waddell is one of the few people from the city who's won a point against not just an international tennis player, but stared down the fastesd serve in the world and come out on top.

Admittedly, it was because Sam Groth double faulted and not due to any tennis ability on Mr Waddell's part, but the Orange City Council CEO laughingly said he'd take it.

"I stood at the very back, as far away from the net as I could ... I could see it but that was about it," he said.

Speaking with Mr Groth afterwards, the tennis ace said he felt like he was serving "about 225 kilometres per hour".

VIDEO: Watch David Waddell face up to Sam Groth's serving ...

"I'm 55 and my reflexes aren't there. I hit one to first slip and to fourth slip."

Despite being basically unable to get a racquet on any of the blistering serves - with the best he could do an expert duck underneath a chest-high bouncer - Mr Waddell said having Mr Groth in Orange was a "fantastic" experience.

"It was a really good evening, we were happy to hear about his time at the US open and Australian open, including taking on [Roger] Federer."

He said about 25 juniors and 25 adults were there for a "really good night".