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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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.