Meet a member: Lorna Krog, IC of South Africa

Dubbed ‘South Africa’s first lady of tennis’, Lorna Krog is considered the doyenne of South African Veterans Tennis specifically, although she has also been involved in every other section of the game, namely Juniors, Open and Wheelchair.

Over 35 years ago, Lorna was one of a group of passionate individuals who established the SA Veterans Association. Today, she can be considered as the single most influential force behind the rise of Masters tennis in South Africa. As Chairmen and committee members came and went, she remained and continued to co-ordinate all the affairs and activities, including all administration, trips and tours undertaken by the members, the selection of National teams, inter-provincial tournaments, the SA National Championships and all the other local Masters events including those on the annual calendar (12-15 per year). She was CEO of the Masters Organisation until the integration with the SA Tennis Association in 2007, this in the interests of having all tennis in the country under one umbrella body. During her tenure she was responsible for raising the sponsorship of most Masters’ National Championships, Inter-provincial tournaments and World Championships held in this country (of which she organized, co-directed and directed three).

After the Masters was integrated with the National Association, she remained employed by the Association to continue running Masters tennis in the country. However, she was also part of the Tournament Committee which staged the SA Open from 2009 to 2011 after the SA Tennis Association was awarded a three-year contract by the ATP. She was a tough but fair administrator and was (still is) immensely popular with local and international players alike.

Also In 2007, Lorna was elected to serve on the Executive of the ITF and as part of her duties, was responsible for co-ordinating various age-groups at the World Team Events which were held in Turkey, New Zealand and Austria, to name but three.

Invited to become a member of the International Club by virtue of her contribution nationally and internationally to Tennis, Lorna was also part of the IC’s organizing committee which staged the Columbus Cup at Sun City in 2000.

For 13 years, Lorna was the Match Control Manager for The Nike Junior Tour International Masters.

Match Control is a key role for the success of the tournament and her expertise in this field is world class according to the Referees with whom she has worked at these tournaments – this includes Michel Renaux, the renowned French Referee. Nike Junior events have been held in South Africa, The Bahamas, France, Spain, Italy, the USA and the Dominican Republic. 

Lorna retired in 2011, but despite her passion for her grandchildren and her rose garden, she has been brought out of retirement on numerous occasions to assist and direct events since then. She still annually runs a highly successful Ladies doubles event at Sun City and served as the Honorary President of the International Club for six years.   

Whilst Lorna’s passion has been directed largely at administration, she is also an above average player, having been a SA ranked player in her age-group nearly all her Veterans life.

Renewing traditional ties.. IC Australia host IC NZ

Gold Coast - October 2019

The inaugural Sedgman Tills Trophy was held on the Gold Coast October 19 - 20, with a 24-strong group from the IC of New Zealand making the trip across the Tasman. It's many years since the neighbouring IC's held matches, so this marked the beginning of a new chapter of the friendly rivalry and good times between these nations.
It was very special to have Frank Sedgman and his wife Jean travel from Melbourne to be present for the entire weekend supporting the IC match and his namesake event. The trophy itself was donated by Frank - from one of his many European tournament wins - and reinvented as the ST Trophy, symbolic of Aussie/Kiwi mateship.
The trophy is co-named for New Zealander Athol Tills, now deceased, who Frank played at Wimbledon many years ago. Their friendship developed through the respective IC's and their activities, including creating the Junior Challenge between Australia and NZ, the genesis of today's IC RLWJC.

The Gold Coast weekend started with social tennis on the Saturday afternoon at Royal Pines Resort, the New Zealanders played some golf, and the IC of Australia hosted drinks and a casual welcome BBQ in the evening. This was attended by all of the IC NZ team and 25 IC Australia members and guests. IC Australia President Kerryn Pratt officially welcomed the team, with NZ President Cecilie McIntyre responding. There was a fun trivia contest, and guests were thrilled to meet and hear stories from two legends of the game attending, Frank Sedgman and Ken Rosewall. Ken was very pleased to be made an honorary international member of the IC NZ. The evening had to conclude on time for guests to watch the All Blacks doing battle in the Rugby World Cup! A big sporting weekend!

On Sunday morning the STT match commenced at KDV club, on claycourts, with 11 rubbers of singles, doubles and mixed, player ages from late 40's to 70.
A light lunch was enjoyed at KDV for players and supporters. After a hard fought match, in hot windy conditions, NZ came out winners 8-3. The tourists had a number of strong players in fine form, and although the home team put up their best efforts the Aussies couldn't counter the overall match toughness of the Kiwis.

A Presentation dinner was held on Sunday night at the lovely Videre restaurant overlooking the Gold Coast. Frank spoke and then (graciously but reluctantly!) presented the ST Trophy to NZ match captain Paul White.
NZ Vice President Russell Tills spoke of his father Athol and the IC movement, the day's players were recognised, and thanks given to the organisers IC Australia Treasurer Noel Jensen and Committee member and match captain Dianne Evers. Further presentations were made, including Cecilie receiving honorary international membership of IC Australia, and Kerryn being honoured with the same for NZIC.
It was a fabulous weekend, with a great group of people attending. We intend to play for the Sedgman Tills Trophy every two years, hosting turn-about, with the next match planned for 2021 in NZ.