DUTCH CELEBRATIONS

The extended Dutch group of members & friends was here in force recently;  they had organised a 'round-robin' again, which they played with their usual good humour & verve.  Naturally the players were joined by many of their old friends for the meal;  friends who had stopped practising tennis & were seen no more at the weekly Tuesday gatherings.  A joyous reunion then, when we others didn't understand a word of what was being said, but recognised the happy atmosphere, even an uproarious ambiance, when the apéritifs were enjoyed, & the initial cordiality developed at table into speeches & much cheering applause. Here is a photo of a small sample of the gathering:                                      

There were eventually nearly 50 relishing the habitual good meal from our chef, Manu's tender care; & out on the terrace under a good sun. Another photo shows that at least some of the conversations were at a very high level!

Everyone was pleased that their former captain, George Buter, was in much better form after his months of illness. Here he is talking to Wim Dekkers:

His place in the organisation of this event, was gallantly taken by Peter Tissot van Patot; not an easy undertaking. Lastly, a record of the only casualty of the day's tennis;  she may have been trying to jump over the net once again!

I'll leave you all to guess whose injured leg this is, & to make sure it doesn't happen to you the next vigorous tennis morning at the Vignal.

As Roland Garros is in full swing, a word about the achievements of Didier Eysseric's eldest son, Jonathan.  He was unfortunate enough to miss entrance to the highly competitive Men's Singles Championship after winning his matches in  the first two Qualifying rounds. But he did also win matches in the Doubles Championships:  with Marc Gicquel they reached the 2nd Round before being beaten 6-3, 6-3, by that formidable couple Bryan & Bryan. He played with the Niçoise, Alize Cornet in the Mixed Doubles to reach the Quarter Finals before being beaten 6-4, 6-3. Locally & individually, Jonathan won the important Grasse Tournament recently for the second year running: remember these achievements when you see him practising on our courts, & boost up your own game a little!