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

March 2025
Interview with Marco Gilardelli, President of the Potter Cup and Two Presidents Cup Committees

Interview with Marco Gilardelli, President of the Potter Cup and Two Presidents Cup Committees

Ruth Birk: Hello Marco, first, thank you very much for being part of the Potter Cup and Two Presidents Cup competitions again. In the end, the competition is the competition and its people, and you've been a part of it for many years. You're the president of the Potter Cup Committee and now also of the Two Presidents Cup. Tell us how this international relationship began.

Marco Gilardelli: The relationship began in 1984 in Milan with Juan Maria Tintore, who asked Sergio Tachini and me to come play in the Potter Cup, and Sergio Tachini accepted. At that time, Sergio Tachini was the president of IC Italy, and I was the secretary. Since our first participation, we haven't missed a single year.

Ruth Birk: And from then until now, has much changed at the team level?

Marco Gilardelli: In terms of the number of teams, it hasn't changed much, but the level has changed significantly. Many players who have been professionals participate, and they believe playing in the Potter Cup is more important than playing in the world championship. In the world championship, you may lose to a player who hasn't been a great player before; here, if you lose, you know you're losing to a player of great level.

Ruth Birk: It's a competition with an extremely high level of players. Tell us what the appeal is.

Marco Gilardelli: It's a very attractive competition because it is a gathering of outstanding players.

Ruth Birk: The four nations that started the competition have participated in every edition. This is a unique commitment. Tell us what you think the secret is.

Marco Gilardelli: Besides the level of players, what is very attractive is the tradition of the International Clubs. That makes the IC commitment very strong. This year, the International Club of Great Britain celebrated its centenary by organizing an IC Week. Over the years, the IC has grown a lot in countries with English traditions, but now it's also growing in countries with Latin traditions.

Ruth Birk: Seven years ago, the women's competition began. What do you think about the level of the women's competition? Can it be compared to the men's level?

Marco Gilardelli: The level of the competition is rising significantly. It's certainly not easy because the Potter Cup has a tradition that spans many years, and the Two Presidents Cup is not yet well known among circuit players. I am personally trying to promote it to all the players finishing their professional careers in Italy. The Italian team currently here had WTA rankings between 100 and 150. In the men's team, there are players who had higher rankings.

Ruth Birk: What do you need to do to participate in the Potter Cup and be part of a team?

Marco Gilardelli: First, you need to be a member of the International Club of each country. Secondly, you must be selected to be part of the team. That is, if you're in shape, you might get in, or you might not. It is very prestigious to be part of a team.

Ruth Birk: Share an anecdote that you would like to highlight from your participation in the Potter Cup.

Marco Gilardelli: In the year 1992 we travelled with Sergio Tachini's private plane, with 5 former Davis Cup players: Sergio Tacchini, Beppe Merlo, Giordano Maioli, Giuseepe Pocci Merlo Maioli, Pesso, and me, Marco Gilardelli. In recent years, a player who has won a Grand Slam tournament has participated, such as Albert Costa or Manolo Orantes.

Ruth Birk: Congratulations, and from the RC Polo, we look forward to seeing you with excitement in the coming years.

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