Good on you! Many tennis clubs now offer refresher courses to support you by gently easing the pain over 4-6 weeks. They update you on the latest techniques and tactics while giving you plenty of chance to practise in doubles.
There are also some great tennis forums on the net featuring lots of people in the same boat returning to the game from absences varying from just a few years through to 25 years or more. Some get tennis coaching, some do the courses, others just take the plunge.
As we age, we may lose a bit of foot speed, but it is encouraging to see that some returning tennis players find that what they lose in speed can be compensated by the improved focus they can bring to the game.
For those that once competed and are nervous about returning too soon (or ever) to those competition tables, coaching can be a great idea because it provides an independent assessment on whether or not you should and if so, at what level. Signing up for low level competition is seen by some tennis players as essential for rapid improvement.
Returning to tennis after an injury
There's some brilliant advice to be found on the net from tennis pro's on the best way to return to tennis after recovering from an injury. The general consensus seems to be slow and steady by going in to your first tennis session expecting to keep it short, and playing at around 30% of your old game with no serving. If you can't find a partner to play at that pace, play against a wall.
Volleying is less stressful on your body than baseline bashing, so to aid both your recovery and your general game, go for some volley practice.
Gradually increase the intensity of your sessions, but take particular care when you start serving by limiting the number of balls you start with by half. It is important to ease your way back into tennis and not to overdo it. Factor in longer periods of rest and of course, talk to your GP and physiotherapist and/or osteopath along the way to an enjoyable, gradual return to your old training and playing regime.