French Open Predictions

They also enjoy tennis on TV and right now we are coming to the close of the clay court season which once again the world’s #1 Rafael Nadal has dominated.

We are coming up to the end of the first week of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France the second of the 4 majors of the year.

Rafa won the first major which was the Australian Open in January.

The question now is can he win the French Open for the 5th time. He has only suffered 5 clay court losses in 5 years.

He holds the # 1 ranking with a total of 14960 points over Roger Federer’s 10470 in the 2009 ATP Rankings.

The usual suspects are still alive in this tournament. They are Roger Federer of Switzerland, Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Andy Murray of Scotland.

It was said that Center Court at Wimbldon was Pete Sampras’s living room and the same can be said about Philippe Chartier Court at the French and Rafael Nadal.

Rafael Nadal became the # 1 player in the world after winning the French Open, Wimbledon and the Olympic Gold Medal last year.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are both excellent ambassadors of the game of tennis which they take very seriously and are the best of friends although earnest competitors.

Rafa is into the 4th round of the French having a quick win over Australia’s Leyton Hewitt this morning 6-1, 6-3, 6-1.

Some say he cannot be beaten on clay at the French although he did suffer a loss to Roger Federer earlier this month in Madrid.

It will be very interesting to see if Rafa can win the French Open for the 5th time. I will certainly be watching as will many millions around the world.

Tennis and Golf in the Ajijic, Lake Chapala Area

Years ago when we arrived my son and I were looking for a group to play tennis with. At a cocktail party a lovely woman mentioned to me about the round robins that were in place at the Racquet Club in San Juan Cosala Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Off we went rackets in hand to look for this group. We were very pleasantly surprised at the wonderful facilities which boasted 10 newly refurbished courts, a swimming pool, hot tub and fresh juices and other tasty snacks on hand served to you courtside.

We joined up with the group and found all ages and levels of players to play with. It was largely doubles and everyone was interested in having a fun time and getting exercise.

The views of the lake and the mountains were spectacular and we happily played there for several years enjoying the company of many who became great friends. I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed playing with my son as he was young and a very good player and I think he brought a breath of springtime to the group.

At that time there was a father and daughter team of coaches who gave private lessons and organized tournaments for the group. It was a wonderful experience for both my son and I and we would probably still be playing there happily if my son had not gone off to university and my knee had not been stricken with arthritis making the quick stopping and starting of tennis very painful. Strangely enough this affliction does not bother my golf game in the least and walking the cartless Chula Vista is a breeze.

Although we have not been there for several years I am sure there is still a group ready to welcome newcomers and we were welcomed.

Also there are courts in Cristiana Park in Chapala were games are available and the good players come out on week-ends from Guadalajara to challenge the A players. Hotel Real Chapala also has two courts which can be booked at the front desk. I believe they still have a coach available for private lessons.

Many homes here have private tennis courts so there is no shortage of courts to play on with a variety of surfaces and wonderful people to play with and to teach you how to play or just improve your game.

The weather, of course, is perfect year round for tennis and it is a sport one can play well into ones dotage as it were.

So if tennis is your passion or you would like it to become your passion Ajijic, Lake Chapala is the place to be.