A message from our new IC Council President, Michael Stich

For many years, I have had the privilege of being a member of the International Lawn Tennis Club of Germany. From the very beginning, what drew me to the IC was not just its heritage or the familiar faces from the tour, but the shared values that underpin our community: fair play, respect for opponents, lifelong friendship, and the simple joy of continuing to compete together. The IC has always been a place where former players remain part of the sport, long after the professional spotlight moves on.

In more recent years I have had the honour of contributing as Vice-President of the IC Council.

One of the areas closest to my heart has been the IC Jean Borotra Sportsmanship Award. Originally sponsored by CQS and now, proudly, by Deltroit, the award stands for the character, humility and sportsmanship that we believe should define not only champions on the circuit, but ambassadors for tennis as a whole. Presenting and promoting this award has reminded me how powerful our values are when they are lived by players at the highest level.

Following Frank Sedgman as President of the Council of International Lawn Tennis Clubs is a genuine honour. 

He has led with dignity and great affection for the IC family, and I am grateful for his example as I begin my term as President.  

Looking ahead, my priorities are clear. We must continue to welcome more former professionals into the IC fold. Our goal is not simply to add names to membership lists, but to offer a meaningful community. Many players retire earlier than they imagined, and often without a clear sense of what comes next. The IC can play an important role in helping former professionals remain part of the sport — enabling them to compete recreationally, to engage with younger generations, to give back to charitable and cultural initiatives, as well as to stay connected with friends from the tour. The appetite is there; we simply need to keep opening the doors.

And finally, I look forward to meeting many more IC members across our Clubs and events in the months ahead. Please do not hesitate to reach out — this is your IC, and I am very much here for you.

Rod Laver AC wins Sportsmanship Award

Rod Laver felt like he was at home amongst friends and fellow players at the IC of Australia Annual Lunch, when Paul McNamee, the president of IC Australia, presented the only repeat winner of the Grand Slam with the IC Jean Borotra CQS Sportsmanship Award.

"It's a great honour to receive this award from the International Club" said Rod, "just listening to the introductions of those people here today, it is like a homecoming for me. I know so many of you."

The annual IC of Australia lunch attracted 170 guests including former players Margaret Court,  Neale Fraser and IC Council President and IC of Australia Patron Frank Sedgman along with officials including the President of the ITF David Haggerty, AELTC Chairman Philip Brook, USTA President Katrina Adams, Tennis Australia President Steve Healy as well as IC Australia members and IC of USA (including President Dan Waldman) and friends of tennis. 

Rod recalled meeting Jean Borotra in 1960. "He said 'Let's go play some'. And once he got me on the court he said we were going to play "angles". He said he would draw an imaginary line down the centre of the court and I had to hit the ball into one side at his end and he could hit into the whole court at my end. I thought 'This is going to be a fun hit' and we did that for three days!! He still hit his backhand with the thumb up the back. I've always cherished that memory," said Rod. 

Story and images of the presentation By Steve Myers , Secretary IC of Australia