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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Vosloorus Development Programme, IC South Africa

Three development players from the Vosloorus program, the IC Philanthropy project in South Africa. had the time of their lives at the inter provincial over the weekend.

Due to the pandemic it was decided that this year the event would be region based with the inland provinces meeting in Johannesburg and Pretoria and the coastal regions at the coast to minimize travelling. The three regions of Gauteng plus Kwa Zulu Natal (Free State were invited but did not participate) under 13 teams played at Ellis Park in Johannesburg and the under 19 teams in Pretoria. This put Gauteng East with the three strongest teams in the country and certainly gave our local province some insight as to the quality of play in the other provinces.

In the under 13 team Thando Xolo and Wandile Tshabalala (pictured together) acquitted themselves extremely well under their baptism of inter provincial tennis. Coach Michael Lelosa said, "They left their hearts on the court" and we could not ask for more of the kids seeing as it was their first experience of play at this level.

Likewise, Nkosikhona Ubisi (in the green shirt), although he has represented his province before, came up against stronger opposition than he has faced when playing in tournaments, but again his team manager, Deserie Wilson said "You can be proud of his performances."

The lessons they have learnt will be a valuable stepping stone in their tennis career and they can only become better players for this type of experience and when they play in the next tournament in two weeks there is sure to be a noticeable improvement in their play.

We thank both Gauteng East junior committee for giving these players the opportunity and also commend Tennis SA for staging the event within the confines of Covid 19.