Roland Garros returns to Collaroy in 2026

Winners are Grinners!

On Saturday, 6 June 2026, the Club continued its now famous celebrations of the Grand Slam tournaments when a little bit of Roland Garros once more came to ‘Le Collaroy T.C.’

A couple of very suspect 'Frenchmen' (and a genuine one) at CTC

A record number of entries - 48 in all - descended upon the Club, along with a couple of 'faux French' ring-ins. Unlike the event then being held in Paris, all the big guns and top seeds were out in force and in contention for the coveted titles. (Even the rarely-seen-these-days Gareth G. turned up in a bid to add to his impressive Grand Slam title collection… he’s fast closing in on The Joker.)

The sky was a spectacular ‘bleu’ as the elegant voices of Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour and even Brigitte Bardot, filled the air, accompanied by piano and accordion in true Chanson tradition, creating an ambience (that’s French btw) that flowed over every court. At one point Damian was overheard wistfully uttering to no-one in particular, “Ah, the culture… at least we can aspire I suppose.”

Guess who took home another Grand Slam title?

On court, the tennis was of the highest calibre – worthy of the Finals at any Grand Slam event. Two players stood out: Eri who took home Collaroy’s version of the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen and Gareth (yes, Gareth) who walked away with the Coupe des Mousquetaires, to add to his bulging trophy cabinet. (His long-suffering better half, Anna, was SO impressed by her husband’s gallant deeds, she almost spilled her drink when his name was read out at the trophy presentation… almost!)

Gareth beat another perennial pot hunter in Richard for the coveted prize, but as we all know, Richard’s game of slice and dice is better suited to the grass courts of Wimbledon. Watch out for him, come our next big event.

A full run down of individual court winners and runners up reads as follows:

Court 1: Eri (Winner), Chris (R/Up)

Court 2: Gareth (Winner), Richard (R/Up)

Court 3: Julie (Winner), Wil (R/Up)

Court 4: Jane (Winner), Phil (R/Up)

Court 5: Angie (Winner), Ed (R/Up)

Court 6: Lionel (Winner), Karen (R/Up)

Of course, the most hotly contested and sought after awards were for “Best Dressed” on the day. Among a sea of merrily clad players stunningly attired in their best Bleu, Blanc et Rouge, several Finalists were given the opportunity to strut their stuff down the red carpet before a vote by the assembly determined the eventual winners.

This year, the French Open Best Dressed Awards were narrowly taken out by Fran (aka Coco Chanel) and somehow a former winner in Wazza (he of the feelthy moustache) topped our true Frenchman, Christophe, who cleverly sent up both himself and Aussie culture by wearing a white T-Shirt boasting a beautiful image of a frog. (Was this a sympathy vote by the judges for our ‘faux Frenchman’ from the north? We’ll never know, but it’s beyond argument that Waz is definitely no Christian Dior! He even lost half a moustache during one rigorous match.)

A huge thanks to Kate and her merry band of volunteers for preparing and presenting the wonderful spread of food, to all the committee and members who helped bring the event together, to Ed, Kenny and Damian for cooking un Barbecue magnifique, (Damo avec blessure à l'aine – i.e. a groin injury - unable to play but still flying the flag), to Wil for the great photos and to those who donated the fabulous prizes presented to our winners. Special thanks to John who raided his own renowned wine cellar to donate some stunning French wines. (The Rosé in particular was tout simplement superbe!) More photos below.

So now it’s on to Wimbledon Day on Saturday 11 July. Start training for the change from clay to grass and be ready to don your all-whites, as we prepare to break out the PIMM’s, Strawberries and Cream for another great day at the ‘All Collaroy Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club’. See you there!