The Robert Abdesselam Trophy returns to France

The 10th edition of the Robert Abdesselam Trophy took place from 21-23 August and brought together four international teams — Spain, Belgium, Great Britain, and France — for a competition featuring one Women’s Doubles, one Men’s Doubles, and two Mixed Doubles per match.

The French team prepared with great professionalism, with some high-altitude training in the Vercors Mountains. There, the players enjoyed scenic hikes through historic forest trails, breathtaking views over Grenoble, and, most importantly, an intensive tennis camp led by their long-time coach, Bruno Delorme, at the Villard-de-Lans Tennis Club. Off the courts, the group took time to share meals and test their culinary skills, further strengthening team spirit and camaraderie.

On arrival in Avignon, the competitors faced stormy weather. The French delegation managed a short training session on the superb courts of TC Montolivet before heavy rain rendered the grounds unplayable. The club’s President, Jean-Pierre Azam, and his wife Gisèle extended a warm welcome to all participants, their passion and dedication keeping the Avignon club thriving.

Due to the weather, the opening matches were held indoors on a single court instead of the planned four outdoor ones. Consequently, the format was shortened to a single set of six games with a tie-break at 6-6. France started the tournament strongly, defeating Great Britain — a new permanent participant in this long-standing competition — by 4–0 in the morning session. Spain then overcame Belgium in the afternoon.

The following day saw the return of sunshine, allowing play to resume outdoors for the France–Belgium encounter. Despite gusty conditions, France prevailed 3–1. In the afternoon, players and guests enjoyed a guided cultural visit to the Chartreuse de Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, a monastic complex renowned for its austere order and beautiful architecture.

The evening’s social programme featured a warm reception hosted by Odile de Roubin in her elegant family residence, where players gathered for an aperitif before the official dinner — a highlight of the event’s convivial atmosphere.

The final day brought the much-anticipated showdown between France and Spain. The French team were eager to reclaim the Robert Abdesselam Trophy, which had been in Spanish hands since the 2023 edition in Madrid.

The opening women’s doubles match proved challenging: Spain’s pair, Pauline Rodriguez (a former French player ranked no. 15) and Noelia Perez Penate (former WTA no. 121), showed their experience, while France’s Isabelle Billard-Delage sustained an early injury. Fortunately, the French men responded with a narrow win, leaving the teams level at one match apiece.

It was therefore down to the two mixed doubles to decide the title (and avoid a super tie-break in the event of two tied teams after all the matches). The French pairs — Chantal Grimal & Alain Moracchini, and MarieDo Larras & Nicolas Fourcade — made an excellent start, taking their first sets 6–1 and 6–0 respectively. Grimal and Moracchini secured their victory swiftly, while Larras and Fourcade were pushed into a deciding tie-break after their Spanish opponents, Noelia Perez Penate and Fernando Gomes de Segura, fought back to win the second set 6–4. The final tie-break was a thrilling affair, keeping spectators — including loyal French supporters Pascale and Christine — on edge. In the end, the French pair held their nerve to win 11–9, sealing overall victory for France.

The Robert Abdesselam Trophy thus returned to France, to the delight of players, organisers, and supporters alike — a fitting conclusion to three days of high-level tennis, sportsmanship, and international friendship.

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Meet a member: Sergi Bruguera, IC of Spain

Sergi Bruguera, a name synonymous with precision, determination, and brilliance on the tennis court, continues to leave his mark on the sport even after his retirement. The former two-time French Open champion has seamlessly transitioned from a successful playing career into roles that reflect his passion for giving back to the tennis community. One of his lasting legacies has been his involvement with the International Lawn Tennis Club.

Sergi has been a member of the IC of Spain for 10 years, after being introduced to the IC community by longstanding IC members Juan Mª Tintore and Berta Tintore. Their enthusiasm and vision resonated deeply with him, and Bruguera quickly found himself drawn to our club’s mission and values.

When asked what he appreciates most about the organisation, Sergi says "More than anything, the commitment, care, and professionalism." This ethos aligns with his own approach to life and tennis, where dedication and respect have been cornerstones of his success.

The IC’s commitment to building a sense of community and promoting sportsmanship mirrors Sergi’s own ideals, and it’s no wonder that he has become an integral part of the IC family. His involvement has gone beyond mere membership; it has become a platform for him to connect with players and initiatives that celebrate the broader spirit of tennis.

His IC highlight so far is the tennis coaching programme he runs for young people with learning disabilities in Barcelona, supported by the IC Philanthropy Foundation. Each year, the participants get the opportunity to showcase their skills at the Barcelona Open. "The most significant moment for me was when special players were recognized in pictures or media, as it made them feel important and happy," he shared. "Seeing that reflected in their faces really fulfills me, and I am grateful to be able to offer them that moment."

As a former player, Sergi’s legacy includes not only his achievements on clay but also his ongoing contributions to the tennis world through the IC. His story is a testament to the idea that the impact of a tennis champion can extend far beyond the court. The IC is fortunate to count him among its members, and the tennis community is richer for his continued dedication to the sport.