Welcome to the International Club of Canada
"Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean "

Welcome to the International Club of Canada

Aims of the International Lawn Tennis Club of Canada

To promote friendship and sportsmanship in tennis between Canada and other countries by hosting tennis events with other IC countries and supporting tennis development in Canada by providing mentorship for young tennis players.

The first meeting of Active Members of the International Lawn Tennis Club of Canada was held at the Albany Club in Toronto on Wednesday, August 11, 1965, at 12.30 p.m. Laird Watt, the first president of the Club, was unable to attend and Gilbert Nunns chaired the meeting. In addition to Gilbert those attending the meeting in person or by proxy were familiar names in Canadian tennis history: Peter Barnard, John Bassett, Bob Barnard, François Godbout, Bruce Harrison, Sydney Hermant, Jim Macken, Harry Marpole and Walter Martin. Don Fontana, captain of the Club, agreed to approach the I.C. of the USA for a match in 1966. There were discussions of a black tie dinner, a match against a touring team from England and plans to participate in I.C. matches in Holland. The Canadian I.C. was up and operating. It had officially received “International Club” recognition just six weeks before, at the annual meeting of the Council of I.C.’s held each year during the fortnight of Wimbledon. It joined thirteen other nations with International Clubs, all existing with a common interest in the game of tennis.

The annual match with the USA Club has been the main regular event of the Club since that time, with matches alternating each year between the Donalda Club and various locations in the USA. The Piping Rock Club on Long Island, The Merion Cricket Club in Philadelphia, The West Side Tennis Club on Long Island. In 1971 the matches were divided in an open event competing for the Proctor Cup and a seniors event for the new Lawrence Baker Trophy. Women’s matches were included in the late 90’s and starting in the year 2000 teams will play for the Carole Graebner Trophy. 

There is no doubt that tournaments for the Windmill, Christiane Mercelis, and Columbus Trophies represent the highlights of the I.C. Movement. On these occasions many of the now 42 International Clubs meet in team competition. In these tournaments old friendships across the net and across the nations are renewed, and new ones made. Equally enjoyable are the I.C. Tours where teams of I.C. players tour other countries at the invitation of their I.C.’s, or host visiting teams.

This brief review of the Club’s history would not be complete without an expression of gratitude to the spirit behind the creation of the I.C. Club of Canada, the Late Bruce Harrison and those who have served on the Club’s executive, particularly its presidents: Laird Watt, Walter Martin, John Proctor, Jim Skelton, Frank Mott-Trille, Brian Flood and David Dimmer.

News & Results

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IC Council News

October 2019
IC SA AND ETHIOPIA FIRST DAY WINNERS

IC SA AND ETHIOPIA FIRST DAY WINNERS

It was a good start by the hosts, IC SA and visitors and first time entrants, Ethiopia on the first day of the IC Rod Laver Junior challenge qualifying event in Benoni.

The hosts had little difficulty in brushing aside Botswana as expected. Botswana came in as very late substitutes for Zimbabwe who unfortunately could not field a team. In the past they have always been a competitive force. IC SA lost a mere handful of games as the match turned out to be merely a gentle warm up for stiffer challenges ahead.

Ethiopia quickly adapted to the high altitude conditions where the ball flies through the air quicker and bounces higher off the hard court. Playing the TSA Development team they proved their greater experience in tournament play by being able to capitalize on their chances whilst the young Development players would have learnt that control of shot on important points is a pre requisite in closing out games and sets. 

The Development teams Mpho Masambuka gained their only point when he recovered from the loss of the first set without gleaning a game, to come back and win the second 63 and the Pro tie break 10 4. He showed tremendous character in recovering from the early loss. The Development boys should have taken at least a set in their doubles but a spate of double faults when leading 65 and 40-15, cost them their serve and ultimately the match. But there were some plucky performances from these young development players who are products of Tennis SA Growthpoint development programme.

Full results from day 1.

IC SA beat Botswana 6 matches to 0.

BOYS SINGLES

Carl Roothman beat Seabo Shakshando 60 60

Mikaeel Woodman beat Arnold Bleskirk 60 61

GIRLS SINGLES

Christine Kruger beat Lily Poely 60 61

Naledi Manyubi beat Atlang Chongwe 60 60

BOYS DOUBLES 

IC SA beat Botswana 60 60

GIRLS DOUBLES 

IC SA BEAT BOTSWANA 61 60

Ethiopia beat TSA Development Team 5 matches to 1.

BOYS SINGLES

Ohssa Gemeda beat Thato Chiloane 64 61

Yosph Gezhose lost to Mpho Masombuka 60 36 4 10

GIRLS SINGLES

Mekdes Adone beat Alicia Makoala 64 64

Sara Kashune beat Chwayita Mogale 63 62

BOYS DOUBLES

Ethiopia beat TSA Development  64 75

GIRLS DOUBLES

Ethiopia beat TSA Development 61 60.

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