Friday 27 May was a hot day in many parts of the UK.   The blistering 37⁰C temperature in Paris added to the intensity of the atmosphere both on and off the courts at the French Open.

Some of the DOE team had been invited to Roland Garros to watch the tennis and saw Roger Federer cruise through to the last 32.   This exhibition of tennis excellence was followed by the widely anticipated match between the two 18 year old "young tigers" of the tournament, Rafael Nadal representing Spain and local French hero, Richard Gasquet.   Nadal was already being tipped to reach the Final and, possibly, win the tournament and he appeared both nerveless and fearless on court.   Since last Friday, Federer and Nadal have both come through their next matches and are now playing each other in the semi-final tomorrow – Friday 03 June.   By the time you read this story on our web site the match between these two exceptional players may have been decided with the winner almost certain to lift the French Open Trophy this weekend.