2018 IC French Open Cocktail Reception

Roland Garros IC Cocktail Reception Sets Attendance Record

By Mark Winters

Borrowing, with a bit of a geographic twist and a little bit of word play, from the memorable “My Fair Lady” hit, “The rain in Spain…” didn’t stay mainly on the plain on the morning of May 29th the date of this year’s annual French International Club’s Cocktail Reception, held during Roland Garros. Stated simply, it poured.

Fortunately, by mid-day, the “soggy plain” that was actually a whole lot of Terre Battue, became the “City of Lights” once again. The dramatic weather change resulted in the 7:00 pm gathering, supported by the Fédération Française de Tennis, having a record turnout of 300. More IC members, from around the world, attended the event than ever before. It was, indeed, an opportunity for tennis friends to renew old contacts and make new ones.

Thierry Pham, President of the French IC and a member of the Executive Council of the International Clubs, was, once again, the very classy host. In his introductory comments, he asked everyone to recall the spirit of Jean Borotra, founder of the French IC in 1929 and the organization’s first Chairman. The Jean Borotra CQS Sportsmanship Award is named in his honor. Pham mentioned that he had been very worried throughout the morning because of the heavy rain. He added that the sun had smiled on the afternoon, and the turnout spoke volumes about the importance of tennis in each of their lives.

Bernard Giudicelli, President of the Fédération Française de Tennis and the Chairman of the French Davis Cup, followed Pham to the podium. He spoke about the changes that had taken place at the Stade Roland Garros site, and the future renovation that was scheduled to be completed in 2020. He also asked a favor of the guests. “I request,” he said. “Please never call us the French Open. It doesn’t matter if you can’t pronounce the “r” but we are Roland Garros.”

Stalwarts of the game have known that and referred to it accordingly over the years. Roland Garros it is!