A message from our new IC Council President, Michael Stich

For many years, I have had the privilege of being a member of the International Lawn Tennis Club of Germany. From the very beginning, what drew me to the IC was not just its heritage or the familiar faces from the tour, but the shared values that underpin our community: fair play, respect for opponents, lifelong friendship, and the simple joy of continuing to compete together. The IC has always been a place where former players remain part of the sport, long after the professional spotlight moves on.

In more recent years I have had the honour of contributing as Vice-President of the IC Council.

One of the areas closest to my heart has been the IC Jean Borotra Sportsmanship Award. Originally sponsored by CQS and now, proudly, by Deltroit, the award stands for the character, humility and sportsmanship that we believe should define not only champions on the circuit, but ambassadors for tennis as a whole. Presenting and promoting this award has reminded me how powerful our values are when they are lived by players at the highest level.

Following Frank Sedgman as President of the Council of International Lawn Tennis Clubs is a genuine honour. 

He has led with dignity and great affection for the IC family, and I am grateful for his example as I begin my term as President.  

Looking ahead, my priorities are clear. We must continue to welcome more former professionals into the IC fold. Our goal is not simply to add names to membership lists, but to offer a meaningful community. Many players retire earlier than they imagined, and often without a clear sense of what comes next. The IC can play an important role in helping former professionals remain part of the sport — enabling them to compete recreationally, to engage with younger generations, to give back to charitable and cultural initiatives, as well as to stay connected with friends from the tour. The appetite is there; we simply need to keep opening the doors.

And finally, I look forward to meeting many more IC members across our Clubs and events in the months ahead. Please do not hesitate to reach out — this is your IC, and I am very much here for you.

IC of New Zealand celebrates its 60th Anniversary

The weekend of the 27th/ 28th August saw the culmination of the 60th Anniversary celebrations of the IC of New Zealand. Held in Auckland, IC members participated in or spectated some tennis at Parnell Tennis Club, before a “Life of Anthony Wilding” play, and dinner and drinks at Carlton Cornwall Bowling Club. 

Over 120 members attended, coming from all over the country as well as overseas. Guests included the Chairman of the IC Council Executive Committee, Peter McQuibban, and the President of Tennis New Zealand and ITF Board Member, Celia Patrick, who is also an honorary member of the IC of NZ. 

Fittingly, Des Shaw, the President of the IC of NZ, awarded Jeff Robson with a Lifetime Membership of the club. Jeff was a foundation member and patron of the IC of NZ in 1956, and has a remarkable history in NZ sport, in both tennis and badminton. In tennis, he has won the NZ singles title three times, represented the Davis Cup Team before captaining New Zealand’s Davis Cup Team for 10 years. In badminton, with many titles to his name, Jeff was ranked in the top 6 in the world, and then went on to be a controller of badminton at several Olympics for 25 years.  

Sunday saw a great day of golf at The Royal Auckland, organised by Greg Long, followed by a gourmet lunch arranged by John Lockington. Des Shaw remarked; “it was a beautiful day enjoyed by all and fitting conclusion to two days of celebrations of the 60th anniversary”.