anyone playing tennis in Chennai?

jimara

Hi,

I am here a month now. I use to play tennis weekly, and I am looking for a tennis partner. I asked around among the other expat ladies, and some locals. But nobody seems to play. I have seen a few courts, I am not very impressed I would say. The ones in Madras Club look good, but haven't seen any one playing yet (I just had a look twices during the weekend). Besides, I am not a member so I can't use it anyway.

So: anyone interested in playing tennis??? (mornings or evenings). Please let me know! If we have some people intererested, we can start looking for courts...

Isabel

Nick-H

Wow...

Maybe there might be a day that is cool enough around about the middle of January!

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PeakXV

Isabel:

Here is a netty link for Tennis Clubs that includes addresses & contacts for many clubs in Chennai. You might find that it is necessary to physically scout these places (best on the weekend late afternoon/evening when they are busiest ... and hopefully cooler)until you find some competition. I'm not too familiar with Chennai, but usually at one or two of the locally listed clubs will you will find a healthy tennis community that is guest/ex-pat friendly.

If for some reason that doesn't pan out then I would try calling some of the local embassies (American, Australian, British) to find out where they play or if they have courts themselves and/or a sport co-ordinator you could speak with for further assistance.

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Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

jimara

Now Nick,
that reaction seems to be typical for locals. I really don't understand why you all think it is too hot for outdoor sports?? It seems like all locals don't want to get outdoors between 9am and 6pm. Well, I would like to say: get your lazy asses out there!!! Tjeezus, I lived in tropical climates for the last 8 years, and had much worse tempatures then this. I ALWAYS did my cycling,tennis,golf running,... any time of the day. I am fit, look good and have an excellent health. Just drink enough water, and respect your own limits (but try to extend them if your limit is walking to the car for 5 min).

Anyone fit enough to hit some balls with me on the court?

Nick-H

Ah... that would explain it.

Have to confess that my favourite sports, apart from keyboard thumping, are driving and shopping. I used to do quite a lot of walking, but cars are a bad influence on that.

What always gets me is the way rain is used as the ultimate excuse here! For being off work; for not turning up; for being ill...

Chennai is being unseasonably cool (and wet) just now, though. I have to admit that I don't go out much in April/May.

Anyway... here's hoping you find a positive response to your invitation. You can probably tell from my previous comments that it wouldn't have been from me even in chilly, wet London!

loister

Hi Jimara,

I brought my racquet over with me 3 weeks ago and can see a court from my window, but didn't know anyone who plays tennis. Glad to see your post.

I'm not too sure who owns the court, but i've never seen anyone on it, and there's no net. It looks lik entecart, but can't be sure.

PM me as I'm interested in having a tennis partner, and meet other expats.

L

Nick-H

See! You've even brought a new poster to IndiaMike with your tennis.

I knew it had to be good for something!

loister, welcome to IndiaMike

PeakXV

Tennis is one of those true life sports. It is you and you alone against an opponent & the weather elements. No coaches, team mates and/or mommies/daddies to help defeat the adversaries. Confidence, mental toughness and the ability to change your spots when things begin to turn against you are the trademarks of successful tennis players ..... and successful people.

Nick-H

Errrr.....


Right.

I'll start practising the grunting

PeakXV

The grunting is a little out of hand these days .... and more than smacks of gamesmanship when it is used to audibly intimidate on the more important rallies/points.

........ However, that said, breathing out (thus grunting) is an effective way of increasing your extension/ range of motion significantly and at the same time decreasing your stress level.

...... and doesn't Yoga teach that the key to effective respiration begin with a long and controlled exhalation?

jim752

Hi. I would love to play tennis or even table tennis with anyone.
I just arrived in Chennai 3 days ago and plan to be here one month. I usually play 7 days a week and already miss it. I have no schedule to worry about so any time would be great. I'm not sure it matters but I am about a 3.5 to 4.0 level player. I prefer doubles if we can get 4 people. Look forward to any replies. thanks.

LArkitekt

try SDAT courts, in nungambakkam. if i'm not mistaken thats where they have the chennai atp in january and so the courts must be decent. all hard courts.

http://www.tn-tennis.com/



good luck!

schematic

I've played at a few clubs in Chennai with locals who were members...

1) Madras Race Club (I think that's the name, it's over by the horse racing track). They have one clay court in great condition. Of course, you have to be a member or guest.

2) Can't remember the name of this club, but I think it's one of the more exclusive ones in town. It's on Mount Road just north of Spencer Plaza and on the opposite side. Someone here will certainly know the name. They have two or three clay courts. Again, good tennis and fine conditions.

So you may need to befriend some people who are club members, perhaps through whatever work brings you to Chennai?

I have no problem playing the heat. Just stay hydrated.

Nick-H

People... those of you who come from tropical climes will not have a problem.

Those who are not used to this climate really should take care. We have heard from a member who suffered heat exhaustion (medically confirmed and treated) doing really very little during his first days in Chennai.

Take it easy. Whatever you do, work up to it gently!

banaba

Hi Jimara

I have been here close to one year now and play tennis 2-3 x per week. I joined the Madras club which has 2 good hard courts and 3 OK clay / shell courts. I am also trying to get a regular group together but that hasn't really happened yet. If you want a hit let me know as I can bring guests along to play and at least you can start hitting those balls again!

When I first came to Chennai I also tried the Besant Nagar club, nice and friendly but only 2 reasonable courts and a third with a concrete column which will catch your backswing on the base line + very busy on weekends.