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

November 2024
IC of Germany wins the Wallenberg Trophy

IC of Germany wins the Wallenberg Trophy

Every two years the IC teams of Great Britain, France, Sweden and Germany meet for the Wallenberg Trophy. Four players play with the women's (35+ and 45+) and men's (45+ and 55+) singles and two final mixed. An extraordinary format!

The draw resulted in the matches of France against Sweden, while Germany met the strong team from the UK. The French beat Sweden 4-2, having already built up a strong lead of 3-1 after the singles, and the Germans triumphed over the British 4-2 – setting up a final between France and Germany on the Sunday.

Christian Schäffkes could not compete in the singles due to a private appointment, but was replaced by Christopher Rummel – who won against Thepsouvan in the 45+ category 4-6 3-6. Christian Greuter lost against the strong player Cayla 3-6 3-6, and Claudia Hoffmann also lost to Marie Larras 6-4 3-6 7-10. Svenja Hüttner finally secured a victory over Chantal Grimal 6-2 4-6 10-3.

With a score of 1-3 after the singles, France's victory seemed inevitable, but the German team then played two clean mixed matches. Hüttner/Schäffkes triumphed 6-3 6-3 over Grimal/Thepsouvan and Hoffmann/Rummel also won in two sets 6-4 6-3.

Now at 3-3, a super tie-break between the two number 1 mixed pairs was the decider. This proved an exciting conclusion for this trophy and with a 10-5 win, Svenja Hüttner and Christian Schäffkes secured victory for the German team.

The tournament was brilliantly organised by Alex Kurucz alongside the Düsseldorf Rochusclub, one of the "leading tennis clubs of Germany" and a fantastic host.

For dinner on Saturday, there were even two guests of honour who have shaped German tennis for many decades: Ex-Davis Cup captain Detlev Irmler and the director of the successful World Team Cup, Horst Klosterkemper! Together with the international guests, they provided an entertaining atmosphere on this evening.

Conclusion: The format with the four singles and the two final mixed games is an exciting competition that will next take place in Great Britain in 2026.

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