The IC of South Africa host the Nations Cup and Legends Awards Dinner

The IC of South Africa hosted the Nations Cup and Legend Awards Dinner from 18-23 March 2026.

Nations Cup – Three Days of International Tennis

The Nations Cup was contested over three days of highly competitive and engaging tennis hosted at Kelvin Grove Tennis Club. The event brought together international teams in a format that balanced competitive intensity with the core IC values of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and friendship. In addition, guests were given a free day to arrange their own excursions.

Day 1 – Arrival and Welcome

The opening function set the tone for the tournament, with players having arrived from various parts of the globe. The Welcome Dinner was held at Kelvin Grove, providing an opportunity for players and officials to connect in a relaxed environment, renewing old and making new friendships, reinforcing the values that underpin IC events.

Day 2 – Opening Matches

Teams began engaging in well-contested matches. The standard of play was consistently high, with several closely fought encounters that highlighted both the depth of talent and the competitive pride of each nation. At the end of the day, the Nations tie was won by South Africa who edged out GB. Two other mixed regional teams completed the group.

Day 3 – Day at Leisure

This was a free day with guests able to plan their own excursions.

A highlight of the day was the evening cruise, which provided a unique and memorable setting for social interaction. Against the backdrop of Cape Town’s coastline, participants were able to unwind, connect, and celebrate the shared experience of international tennis. The cruise was widely regarded as a standout feature of the event. The return to the harbour and its twinkling lights with dancing on deck to the strains of Johnny Clegg and other African tunes, was a lovely ending to the event (the outward leg in choppy seas notwithstanding!!). 

Day 4 – The programme continues

The second day of competition featured a full schedule of matches across all participating teams. The level of competition intensified, with decisive results beginning to shape the standings. Off the court, the atmosphere remained vibrant and inclusive, with players supporting one another and sharing in the experience beyond the matches themselves.

Day 5 – Final Matches and Closing Ceremony

The final day of the Nations Cup brought the tournament to an exciting conclusion, as the remaining round robin matches were played. With everything still to play for, the level of tennis remained high throughout the morning. Close matches, competitive rallies, and strong team performances defined the final rounds, with results ultimately decided by fine margins.

The closing prizegiving marked a fitting conclusion to the Nations Cup. IC South Africa had the honour of awarding honorary membership to Louise Field (New Zealand), Peter Harding and Karen Cass (GB) and Pam Rosenbaum (Canada). In addition, Duard Botha was awarded honorary membership of IC Great Britain, reflecting the strong international ties fostered during the event. The formalities were followed by a relaxed pizza farewell, allowing participants to conclude the tournament in a warm and informal setting.

Legends Dinner – A Celebration of Excellence

The Legends Dinner, held at Grand Africa Café & Beach, was undoubtedly one of the defining highlights of the week. Set under the evening sky, with the ocean as a backdrop to dancing on the sand, the event created a unique and memorable atmosphere befitting the occasion. Dinner on the Deck was served buffet style and proved to be a sumptuous affair. From oysters to salmon and fillet accompanied by vegetables and salads, it was an outstanding experience.

The evening celebrated the rich legacy of South African tennis, with:

• 13 new Legends inducted
• 6 Lifetime Achievement Awards presented
• 6 Masters World Champions recognised.

Each recognition was a testament to the enduring impact of individuals who have shaped the sport at national and international levels.

The IC of South Africa were particularly privileged to host Brigitte Cuypers-Fourie and JL de Jager, both crowned Legends in 2023. Their presence added further prestige to the evening and served as a powerful reminder of the excellence and tradition that define South African tennis.

The event successfully combined formality with celebration, creating an environment that honoured past achievements while inspiring future generations. The feedback received from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the setting and organisation as truly world-class.

Further Details

• Venue
  The historic Kelvin Grove Country Club proved to be the ideal venue for the Nations Cup Tournament hosted by the International Club of South Africa (IC SA) in March 2026. The Club’s beautiful grounds feature the grand old historical clubhouse, 2 restaurants, bar, coffee shop and swimming pool. 
• Teams
  Originally meant to be a gathering of 4 Nations, it soon transpired that clubs were having difficulty fielding full teams and the event became an open competition. Representatives from the US, Canada, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa found themselves playing for the Ellies, the Pumbas, the Daisies and others. In total, some 40 players had the opportunity to participate in the competition.

Format

• Day 1: 4 teams of 8 competing as  countries or regions. Won by SA with GB second.
• Days 2 and 3: 8 teams of 4. Ladies, Men’s and Mixed Doubles.

Entertainment/Functions

• Welcome function and dinner
• Sunset cruise
• The Legends Dinner and Awards
• The prize-giving and pizza evening.

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ITF AGM Report

Paul McNamee, IC of Australia and Executive Committee member attended the recent ITF AGM meeting, as an observer on behalf of the IC. The main agenda matters were in relation to the Presidential and Board elections, and Paul had the following to report:

"I had a productive discussion with the chair of the ITF’s Rules of Tennis Committee, amongst others. I explained to the chair the history of the IC’s role as (previously) an observer on this committee, especially in its role as custodian of the spirit of the game.

We touched on issues such as consistency of time between points on the ATP and WTA Tours and at ITF events, scoring of matches (e.g. all Grand Slams are different in the 5th set), grunting and, importantly, investigations into the merits of in match coaching. Most encouragingly, the chair supported the concept of the IC’s observer role being reinstated. However, it would require significant broader support I imagine before the observer role could be reinstated.

One rule change which went to the floor of the AGM was in relation to rule 29 of the rules of Tennis to extend the time between points from 20 to 25 seconds. The remaining parts of the rule would remain intact, including the principle that play should be continuous.

The reasons given were:

(1) harmony across all bodies - ATP, WTA and ITF, given ATP & WTA operate on 25 seconds

(2) physiological, in that the demands of the modern game justify it

(3) data shows that it will only have a minimal increase on the length of matches

The motion was carried by a 92% majority.

Given the IC is an observer at the AGM, we are not in a position to comment on a proposed resolution on the floor, which makes it important that the IC may one day again have a presence at the Rules of Tennis Committee.

I do appreciate the support which was given to me by the IC Council to attend."