The IC of Argentina qualify for the IC Rod Laver Junior Challenge World Finals 2027

The South American qualifying event for the 2026 IC Rod Laver Junior Challenge took place on 13-16 July 2026 and brought together teams from the ICs of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay at the Carrasco Lawn Tennis Club in Montevideo. Hosted by the IC of Uruguay, the event combined high-quality junior tennis with the International Clubs' enduring values of friendship, sportsmanship and international fellowship.

Despite weather forcing a revised schedule, the competition was completed successfully over three days. The IC of Argentina produced consistently outstanding tennis throughout the tournament, defeating the IC of Uruguay (1) by 5–1 in a closely contested final to secure qualification for the IC Rod Laver Junior Challenge World Finals. The IC of Bolivia in particular made an impressive debut in the competition after the creation of the IC in 2025, finishing in third place ahead of the ICs of Chile, Brazil and Uruguay (2).

Off the court, the event reflected the IC spirit through a welcome reception, social activities and a community tennis clinic with children from the IC of Uruguay's "Growing up with Tennis" programme, where players shared their skills and experiences with young participants.

The Sportsmanship Awards, voted for by the team captains, recognised Maria E. Moretti (Brazil) and Andree Montellano (Bolivia) for their exemplary sportsmanship. The tournament concluded with a light-hearted captains' doubles match, providing a fitting celebration of the friendships forged throughout the week.

You can view the full tournament report, photos and video below.

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Ethiopia philanthropic highlights

Closely monitored by the IC of Germany, children from the city slums of Ethiopia are given tennis coaching, education and free meals. Discipline in tennis and at school is a requirement for participation in TDKET and each year over 50 children take part.

In 2019, the project was recognized by the government as the best private sports funding program for poor children in Ethiopia! As a result, Tariku Tesfaye, the founder and manager of the project, was invited to two tv-shows and was able to present his project to a wider public. Some local sponsors were found through this presentation.

Once more Tariku and some of the best kids spent some weeks in the Racket-Center Nussloch, Germany, in order to train and to play junior tournaments.

In October 2019, TDKET for the first time participated in the African IC Rod Laver Junior Challenge representing Ethiopia very well, Tariku´s team (2 boys and girls aged 16 or younger) beat a Development Team from South Africa 5:1 and a team from Botswana 6:0. Only the South African top team could stop Tariku´s team on the final day. The participation in this event was a wonderful experience for the players. It was their first trip to South Africa.

In November 2019, Tariku received a high-ranking delegation from Germany led by the Minister for Economy and Building of the State Baden-Württemberg. The minister was very impressed and spontaneously donated 1.000,00 €.

Thanks to private sponsors, some of Tariku´s kids can attend a private high-school. 2 of them successfully passed their final exam some months ago.

Last, but not least, we can report a reactivation of Manfred Lautenschläger, a former top-sponsor of the project. With his foundation he is ready to fund for up to 30 boys or girls from TDKET the attendance of a private high-school for a period of 5 years. This is an annual engagement of 21.000 €.

For further information, see the IC Philanthropy webpage and TDKET website.