INTERNATIONAL CLUB OF (IC AUSTRALIA) 2019 YEAR IN REVIEW

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CONTENTS

Supplementing the ICA 2019 Annual Report, enjoy these further details about our year!

*Beyond the Tour launch

*IC breakfast

*Kooyong Tennis and lunch

*IC AGM

*IC Annual Lunch

* BTT gathering

*Wimbledon dinner at Kooyong

*IC World Junior Challenge

*Sedgman Tills Trophy Gold Coast

*IC Fed Cup breakfast

*Accolades

*Looking forward

**Sincere thanks to our ‘official’ photographer at many IC events, Alan Fortunato**

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BEYOND THE TOUR LAUNCH JANUARY 2019

The IC Australia cocktail party took place on site at Open in partnership with in the lovely Yarra View Room. The event brought the former player community together to celebrate the launch of the IC’s initiative to assist former players, Beyond the Tour (BTT), which in the first instance offers complimentary introductory membership to recently retired players. The evening was an opportunity to acknowledge the careers of those recently retired, something that’s often overlooked. Former players inducted into the IC under the BTT initiative were , Ashling Sumner, Adam Hubble and Stephanie Bengson. It was a great get together, welcoming these and our other new members, Mary Sawyer Collins, Kane Dewhurst, Jane Taylor, and Nicole Keneally. It was a most enjoyable evening, attended by nearly 90 of Australia’s former players and tennis community, including , Evonne Cawley, , , and our then-President . Also present were representatives from the WTA, ATP and joint hosts of the event, Tennis Australia (TA).

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TA CEO Craig Tiley, with IC committee members and Helen Muir at the BTT Launch

TA attendees included CEO Craig Tiley, Chief Tennis Officer Matt Dwyer and one of the excellent lineup of speakers on the night, Head of Performance, . Kerryn Pratt was the MC, Geoff officially launched the Beyond the Tour program, Newk gave his personal tips, Evonne shared her experience of finding identity after professional tennis, and Renee Beck delivered an emotional and powerful message endorsing the IC direction. See these two links for further details and examples of the media coverage:

https://www.playersvoice.com.au/renee-beck-when-cheering-stops/

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/reid-family-legends-praise-initiative-for- struggling-ex-stars-20190116-p50rpn.html

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Kerryn Pratt, Kane Dewhurst, Ken Barton and Victor Eke

There was quite a bit of emotion and a great vibe in the room on the night. Stories told emphasized the common experiences former players have and many of the new members gave fascinating insights into their lives after tennis. It was left to Scott Draper to sum things up brilliantly, inspiring our tennis family to support each other and encourage others to connect with the former player community.

TA’s Matt Dwyer with BTT Ambassador Scott Draper

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Kerryn Pratt, Kathleen Stroia WTA, legends Evonne Cawley and Janet Young, Ashley Keber WTA

The function showcased our IC’s aims of supporting those retiring, as they transition to life after the pro tour, by offering an ongoing connection to tennis, then as required, assistance in areas including mentoring, education, job seeking, networking, health and wellbeing.

Former players and IC members Carol O’Sullivan, Mary Sawyer Collins and Kaye Hallam Nealon

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IC HOPMAN CUP FUNCTION PERTH, JANUARY 2019

The IC Function at the 2019 Hopman Cup was a great success but marked the end of an era, with the Hopman Cup being played for the last time. There was great enthusiasm for this gathering, attended by many special guests, with IC Secretary Mandy Morgan the speaker about the IC’s direction and Beyond the Tour.

Christine Matison Dorey and Mandy Morgan, IC Hopman Cup function

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KOOYONG TENNIS DAY AND LUNCH JANUARY 2019

A terrific morning of tennis took place on the spectacular Kooyong grass under sunny skies. Fun social doubles sets were played, overseen by Match Captain Terry Stone, who then hosted lunch in the clubrooms, along with President Kerryn Pratt and other Committee members. Attending were a number of representatives from the All England Club and Kooyong. Other guests included former TA President Geoff Pollard, ICA Vice Presidents Cedric Mason and Tim Cawthorn and Vice President of IC France, Gail Benedetti, with her sister, Aussie member and legendary seniors player Carol Campling. Thanks to Terry, Carol, Mandy, Chris and all involved with the organisation of the day.

Chris Kachel, Carol O’Sullivan and Dianne Evers at Kooyong

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Above: Cedric Mason and Geoff Pollard at the Kooyong lunch

Below: Tim Cawthorn, Lexie Crooke and Cliff Sproule at Kooyong

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Above: Carol Campling and Gail Benedetti at Kooyong

Below: Philip Wooldridge (who will be sadly missed), wife Anne, with Ken and Wilma Rosewall

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IC AUSTRALIA AGM JANUARY 2019

Held at RSY on Saturday, the AGM saw the handover of the Presidency from Geoff Masters to Kerryn Pratt. Geoff stood down for personal reasons and leaves after laying strong foundations for the BTT initiative and the Club’s future. Renee Beck joined the Committee and Victor Eke departed, after making a great contribution over many years. Mandy Morgan was re-elected as Secretary, after holding that position jointly with Kerryn, and Noel Jensen continues as Treasurer. Noel reported that the Club is in a sound financial position. Kerryn spoke of the many activities planned and the direction of the IC.

ANNUAL LUNCH AT ROYAL SOUTH YARRA, JANUARY 2019

AO Mixed doubles finalist JP Smith, Kerryn Pratt, Jayne Hrdlicka and Paul McNamee

Nearly 100 guests enjoyed another great IC Australia Annual Lunch held at the splendid Royal South Yarra club on the final Sunday of the , with Honorary Life member Cedric Mason delivering the traditional Loyal Toast to start proceedings. Former President and legendary doubles champion Paul McNamee hosted the day, introducing the various attendees. Among the dignitaries were TA President Jayne Hrdlicka, French Federation officials, USTA President , Bill Babcock from the Board, Martin Corrie of the British LTA with his wife Janet, RSY President Tony Joubert and CEO Stewart Fenton, Kooyong President Peter Carew and CEO Chris Brown, and Phillip Brook, All England Chairman with his wife Gillian. (In thanking the IC Australia for the day, Phillip gave a very amusing speech about the roof situation in Paris and how one of the Park lids could perhaps be useful in Paris!)

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Phillip and Gillian Brook AELTC with Janet Corrie

Lovely table! Libby Hodgkins, Eva de Jong, Jan de Tastes and Ann Fotheringham

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Early in the lunch, Paul handed over to our newly elected first female ICA President, Kerryn Pratt. Kerryn spoke about the Beyond the Tour initiative and the direction of the Club. She then acknowledged Dianne Evers (one of our Committee members) and New Zealand’s Judy Chaloner for their victory in the 1979 Australian Open doubles, and their tenacity in seeking to see and hold the Trophy together for the first time this week. Remarkably, at the time there was no presentation and they didn’t receive a trophy!

Ros Kane, Carol O’Sullivan, with doubles champs ’79 Dianne Evers and Judy Chaloner with Kerryn Pratt

Another interviewee was current player and finalist in the AO mixed doubles the previous evening, JP Smith. He won the room talking about the contrast between life on the Challenger circuit compared to his more glamorous fortnight at . This was a marvellous fairytale story of playing alongside fellow Aussie Astra Sharma and reaching a maiden Grand Slam final!

For a change of pace, the wonderful singer Jemma Rix, who was performing as Evita to packed houses as understudy to , enthralled guests with 3 songs including Don’t Cry for me Argentina.

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If that wasn’t enough to get everyone emotional, Frank and Jean Sedgman were introduced and invited to dance to Unforgettable, a song with a lot of meaning to Frank. When he won the 1952 Wimbledon singles, doubles and mixed, Frank celebrated by dancing to this song with womens champ Maureen Connelly at the Wimbledon ball. This sentimental journey and waltz down memory lane with his beautiful wife Jean was a highlight of the lunch!

A fun day was had by all!

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Below: , Brian Beers and Will Coghlan

Above: and Dianne Evers give the thumbs up to the Annual Lunch!

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BEYOND THE TOUR GATHERING, SYDNEY, MAY 2019

Below: New members inducted in Sydney with Ken Rosewall

Nearly 40 former players gathered in Sydney for an alumni catch up, hosted by IC Australia President Kerryn Pratt. Beyond the Tour Ambassador was inducted into the IC by legend of the game and former Vice President Ken Rosewall. Casey retired in April 2018 and spoke compellingly of what she's faced and felt since quitting.

Ken presented membership ties and scarves to WTA alumni Casey, Christina Horiatopoulos, Natalija Tanevska, and Sally McCann, champion John Alexander, and Suzy Ellis, inducted as an Associate for her significant contribution to womens tennis in this country through the formation and funding of the Australian Womens Tennis Association in the 1970's.

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We enjoyed hearing all of these new members speak interestingly of their lives post tennis. IC Committee member Renee Beck spoke about her experiences, the tragic loss of her brother last year and her desire to help others navigate life after tennis.

Another luminary of the game Bill Gilmour, former player, Davis Cup referee and grand slam supervisor was recognised for his support of the IC Australia and spoke about his long relationship with the Club.

Among other attendees were President of Tennis NSW , BTT member Isabella Holland, Nathan Healey, Bree and Tyra Calderwood, Jurek Stasiak, Raph Durek, , grand slam player and now seniors world champ Kerry Ballard, Glenn Knox and former IC Committee member Wayne Pascoe.

All IC members and former players eligible to join the IC were invited to the evening, a fabulous gathering full of fun and friendship emphasising our Club’s commitment to connections, community, belonging and support.

Above: Kaye Hallam Nealon, Christina Horiatopoulos, Kerryn Pratt

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Above: Bill and Fay Gilmour with Ken Rosewall at the Sydney gathering

Below: Renee Reid Beck, Glen Knox, Marnie Healey

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WIMBLEDON DINNER AT KOOYONG, MELBOURNE, JULY 2019

Another highly successful night at the annual Wimbledon dinner at Kooyong! As is tradition, it was hosted by IC Patron Frank Sedgman and his wife Jean on Men’s Singles Final night. Cedric gave moving tributes to both Joe Devereux and Peter Richardson, great members of our Club, who had sadly passed away. Once again a silent auction was held along with a few fundraising games, which certainly added to the happy atmosphere. More than 50 members and guests attended which made a tidy profit thanks to the generous donations by members. Mandy Morgan conducted another excellent tennis quiz (which is set to become a tradition) and Terry Stone was magnificent in managing proceedings as MC!

IC ROD LAVER WORLD JUNIOR CHALLENGE, regional qualifying, HONG KONG 22-26 JULY 2019

ICA Team: Charlie Pade, Isaac King, Victor Eke, Anzac Leidig, Logan Paulson, Kaecia Beattie

IC Australia last participated in the IC Junior Challenge a few years ago at the regional qualifiers in Japan. Since then your Committee made a decision not to support sending an elite junior team, on the basis that Tennis Australia has things well covered in junior development these days. In keeping with the IC philosophies of philanthropy and helping young people to learn and develop through tennis, in 2019 we thought a bit outside the box, and created an opportunity for a team of indigenous juniors and their coach who’ve come through the marvellous Evonne Goolagong Foundation programs. They would be our representatives at the IC RLWJC qualifier in Hong Kong. This endeavour was jointly supported by your IC, the generosity of the Kids Tennis Foundation and the EGF, with assistance from Tennis Australia. ICA President Kerryn Pratt worked closely with Roger and Evonne Cawley to bring the plan to fruition, with wonderful help from Terry Stone who organised and donated the uniforms.

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We’re very grateful to Terry and to our former Committee Member Victor Eke, who volunteered his time to travel with the team and co-ordinate things in the lead up to the event. Victor, Coach Anzac Leidig and a 16-and-under team of two boys and two girls travelled to Hong Kong for the week in July, thankfully before the worst of the demonstrations and violence occurred. Vic said it was a privilege to be with this IC Australia team and described Anzac as a dedicated, enthusiastic professional. He said the team’s first goal was to win, second was to make new friends and be open to all the new experiences this trip offered! Japan ended up qualifying for the ICRLWJC final, to be held in California in 2020.

Here is an excerpt from Victor’s official report:

“The team opened with a win over Pakistan, but the other 3 teams were made up of regular ITF junior tour players and so proved challenging. As well as the opponents, the weather - stiflingly hot and humid – it was difficult to take a deep breath, and when spectating one was soaked in sweat. The Australian players did not stop trying, regardless of the score, Anzac relentlessly giving enthusiastic support. Outstanding sportsmanship was displayed by the whole team. In fact Charlie Pade was awarded the Male Sportsmanship Award. He was described as tenacious, with a never say die fighting spirit…and what a deserving recipient he was for this award….

Australia’s CHARLIE PADE receives the male sportsmanship award IN HONG KONG.

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Anzac remarked to me several times how each team member was growing in confidence. He has known them all for several years from Goolagong Foundation Come and Try days, to State Camps to National Camps. Kaecia and Logan were competitive every match against tough opposition. The whole team confidently chatted with all the other teams (even the Japanese who had limited English). The Koala and Kangaroo gifts courtesy of Tennis Australia were a big hit. Playing, eating and relaxing at an exclusive club, courteous and respectful manners were displayed.

Teams from Hong Kong, Pakistan, India, Australia and Japan at Hong Kong Country Club.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner were taken as a group. Conversation was lively, humorous, sometimes candid, and didn't cease when the plates were gone. Everyone stayed at the table for 30-45 minutes chatting. Each player had their mobile phone, but the usage wasn't conspicuous, they were more involved in the moment with each other and the other international team players when around…New experiences were numerous and embraced. Representing the Australian IC as well as being Ambassadors for the Evonne Goolagong Foundation - you could see the pride and the effort they put in.”

THANKS TO: *Evonne Goolagong Foundation, for providing five outstanding representatives and financial support for the team…especially to Evonne and Roger Cawley and EGF coach Anzac Leidig. *Kids Tennis Foundation, for providing great opportunities since 1983! *IC Australia, for financial support, Kerryn Pratt’s meticulous planning and Terry Stone’s generosity and finishing touches. To Victor Eke for captaining the team. *Hong Kong Tennis Association, Greg Royle, Allison Leung…the Hong Kong IC… and Hong Kong Country Club, for being gracious hosts in an unforgettable environment. *Tennis Australia, for support and help with the details that make a big difference.

More photos of the trip can be viewed at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/x20t358wreopvt8/AACSnfwGT_Sncv3FzsMb3gxda?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ym4f8c2430h1yx6/AADvYlX1jZI9poJOHKXxUJVua?dl=0

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SEDGMAN TILLS TROPHY- VISIT BY IC NEW ZEALAND 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.

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.

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 Gold Coast weekend started with social tennis on the Saturday afternoon at Royal Pines Resort, the New Zealanders played some , 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.

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IC Australia team: Dianne Evers, Sally McCann, Max Bates, , Graham Thams, , Noel Jensen, Gail Biggs Jones, Lexie Crooke, Terry Stone

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.

On Sunday morning the match was played at KDV club, on claycourts, with 11 rubbers of singles, doubles and mixed, player ages from late 40's to 70.

Huge thanks to Gail Bates for running the day as official match referee.

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.

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Below: Ken ROSEWALL was very pleased to be made an honorary international member of the IC NZ

Above: Graham Thams excelled, winning his matches, but Australia went down 8-3

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Great to see Shane Barr returning to competitive tennis for the IC

Max Bates and Noel Jensen teamed up

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Sally McCann making her return to matchplay on the Gold Coast

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Welcome back to Gail Biggs Jones, rejoining the IC and representing us against NZ

Match organiser Gail Bates, Max Bates, Kerryn Pratt and Dianne Evers

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Above: Russ and Maureen Pratt with Frank and Jean Sedgman watching the matches at KDV

Below: IC Australia team Sedgman Tills Trophy versus IC NZ October 2019, Presentation dinner

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Above: Frank Sedgman presenting the trophy to NZ’s Paul White

A Presentation dinner was held on Sunday night at Videre restaurant at Royal Pines, overlooking the Gold Coast. Frank spoke and then (graciously but reluctantly!) presented the Sedgman Tills 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, Committee member and match captain Dianne Evers and match referee Gail Bates. Further presentations were made, including Cecilie receiving honorary international membership of IC Australia, and Kerryn being honoured with the same for NZIC.

It was great to see not only the Sedgmans, but also Russ and Maureen Pratt, Carol O’Sullivan and Terry and Sandra Stone travelling from Melbourne to attend. Maureen kindly organised some of the gifts and with Jean Sedgman sorted out the trophy, while Terry was very generous in presenting Russell Tills with a collectable racquet as a special memento.

It was a fabulous weekend, with a great group of people attending. This was definitely one of the year’s highlights, hosting our near neighbours and kicking off a new series between us!

We intend to play for the Sedgman Tills Trophy every two years, hosting turn-about, with the next match tentatively planned for 2021 in NZ. Let’s start training for it now!

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Above: Lexie Crooke ready for action

CQS IC IN PRAGUE, JUNE 2019

Former Australian junior champion LEXIE CROOKE travelled to Prague in June as our only representative at the annual event hosted by the IC Czech Republic. Czech President Helena Sukova reported that Lexie was a great ambassador for our IC, played very well and was invited to join the Czech IC as an international member, a great honour! Well done Lexie, who was part of the team on the Gold Coast (pictured above) and is also slated to play for us in South Africa next May.

IC FED CUP BREAKFAST, PERTH, NOVEMBER 2019

Australia v France in the Fed Cup final in Perth shaped up as an historic showdown, and although the Aussie women went down in a heartbreaking loss 2-3, it was a magnificent weekend for tennis. An IC Breakfast was held prior to the second day’s play, attended by 60 members and guests and a number of former Fed Cup players.

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Fed Cup breakfast organiser Helen Muir (above) welcomed President Kerryn Pratt as MC, and a relaxed morning of interviews and tennis talk ensued. Among the former champions present, , Michelle Jaggard, Sue Leo, , Judy Dalton, Di Balestrat, France’s Francoise Durr and Perth local who all spoke of their Fed Cup experiences and about the matches over the weekend in the final.

Margaret Court interviewed by Kerryn Pratt

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IC Fed Cup reunion: California-based Sue Leo with Lesley Hunt.

Lesley has been battling injuries and illness over recent years – enduring around a dozen gruesome surgeries - but despite using a wheelchair and experiencing pain, is continuing her coaching. She spoke inspirationally of how the tennis community and the IC has helped her to keep going.

Above: Francoise Durr, Dianne Evers, Odile de Roubin and Di Balestrat in her Fed Cup jacket!

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Left: Dianne Evers and Judy Dalton at the Perth IC breakfast.

Below: Clive Wilderspin, recent inductee into the WA Hall of Fame, with fellow IC member Maureen Pratt.

Below: Kerryn Pratt and Helen Gourlay

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ACCOLADES

A number of our members achieved incredible success on the world stage in ITF Seniors competition this year. Tributes go to Kerry Ballard, pictured below, world 70’s singles and doubles champion, number 1 in the world and with an awesome 25-1 singles win loss record for 2019 and our other world number 1 Glenn Busby who continued his dominance winning the 60’s singles.

These two players are the epitome of excellence in all they do, earning the admiration and recognition of the IC and the wider tennis world. Fantastic work Glenn and Kerry!

Also congratulations to Adrienne Avis, who won two titles in Umag, the world 65’s doubles with Helen Worland and the mixed doubles with France’s Marc Renoult. And well done to Brenda Foster, winner of the 55 World mixed doubles title!

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LOOKING FORWARD

In 2019 IC Australia introduced a free membership offer to retiring players for 2 years, as they transition to life Beyond the Tour. Isabella Holland and Ashling Sumner, pictured below, as well as Stephanie Bengson, Casey Dellacqua and Adam Hubble were inducted in 2019, and more players will be invited to join on that basis in 2020.

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TA Performance boss Wally Masur and player Blake Mott at the January 2019 BTT launch at the AO.

We are also establishing a presence with the current player group with the help of Tennis Australia, to raise awareness about our former player community, so they know we’re there for them when they do quit. Our support program for transitioning players is developing. Membership has grown in 2019 and we are always looking to give you more reasons to be and stay an IC member. Whilst staying faithful to the heritage values of our Club, we can be open to change…like extending the membership criteria to top 1000 singles ATP/WTA for the simple reason it’s so much tougher to achieve any ranking now than it was 20 years ago.

2019 has been an active year for the ICA with more events than ever. 2020 will see your Committee creating more new events and programs to bring our tennis family together, forging partnerships with other tennis stakeholders, launching the Beyond the Tour website to inform and link the alumni, organizing matches and teams overseas, and assisting former players, especially those transitioning to a new chapter of their lives. We are working on a variety of projects for our members and on fundraising for the alumni.

Besides our Beyond the Tour Inductees, we’re pleased to welcome the following former players to membership of the IC Australia over the last 12 months:

WOMEN: Mary Sawyer Collins, Nicole Keneally, Christina Horiatopoulos, Lou Pleming, Natalija Tanevska, Sally McCann, Lisa Green, Lechia Witt, and two returning members in Gail Biggs Jones and Norma Eastburn Whatmore. MEN: John Alexander, Shane Barr, David Bidmeade, Kane Dewhurst, John Fitzgerald, Bill Gilmour (junior), Warren Green, Ryan Henry, Andrew McLean, Joe Siriani, Kim Warwick.

It’s fantastic to have these new members and thanks to all of our membership for your continued loyalty, enthusiasm and support of the IC Australia!

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Best wishes for a happy healthy 2020!

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