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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Paul Hutchins

From the Chairman:

PAUL HUTCHINGS

Paul lost his brave battle with ALS last week.  We'll miss him.

His exceptional tennis career has been and will be the subject of many glowing tributes, first as a player and then giving back to the game in significant ways: grand slam tennis player, Davis Cup captain, head of men's tennis at the LTA...

He made a particular and lasting contribution to the International Club. 

We searched the archive for a picture we knew we would not find: Paul in an IC tie, Paul in any tie... 

Most of the photos we have of Paul show him giving that careful attention he always gave to everything he did, however grand however un-grand.  We turned to Paul when we knew we needed to launch something big that had to be sustainable: the now world-wide IC Junior Challenge (16s and under).  He set the gold standard for us as our first Tournament Director at European regional finals at the Vincennes Club in Paris in 2005.  

We turned to Paul when we knew we needed to bring the International Club, at the Council level especially, into the modern world - more professional, more in tune with the modern game, but which still respected the sporting spirit of the game which was ingrained in the history and traditions of the IC.  It was Paul's role, for several years on the Executive Committee of the Council, to ask us all those difficult questions about governance and participation: what value did the IC add for its members, what value did the IC add to the game of tennis?  These were difficult questions.  We didn't always have the kind of answers that satisfied Paul: he was persistent in his search for something tangible.  It kept us honest and it keeps us honest to this day. 

At the end of our, often long, discussions, Paul's serious face would break into a smile (the one in the photo we’ve chosen), and he'd say: "OK, Peter, but you can see why I am asking, can't you?" I could.  I'd then go off to host the lunch in my jacket and tie; and he, in his smart tracksuit, would disappear into the stands quickly to watch and mentor new British talent.

Paul also gave the International Club Shali and their wonderful family full of IC members to whom our hearts go out.

Peter

March 2019