The IC of Australia’s 75th anniversary and inaugural Grand Slam Reunion

From 19-23 January 2026, the iconic  Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club became the meeting place for tennis history as the IC of Australia celebrated its 75th anniversary by hosting the inaugural IC Grand Slam (ICGS) Reunion event.

Timed to coincide with the Australian Open, the event brought together 55 former Grand Slam players from nine countries, aged from 35 to 85, for a week that blended competitive grass-court tennis with the unique fellowship that defines the IC movement: “Hands Across the Net, Friendship Across the Ocean.”

The concept, envisioned by outgoing IC of Australia President Kerryn Pratt, established what will now become a biennial tradition hosted by Grand Slam IC nations.

Australia vs The World – On the grass at Kooyong

The tennis format pitted Team Australia against Team World in competitive doubles and mixed doubles across Open, Over 45, Over 60, and Over 70 age groups. There was also one men’s open singles as agreed by both teams, as well as social tennis on the grass courts for IC members wishing to be part of the event but not playing the official matches.

Eligibility required players to have competed in the main draw, qualifying, or junior events of a Grand Slam since 1987, and to be current IC members.

The teams were captained by Judy Dalton and Mark Woodforde (Australia) and Gail Benedetti (World).

The match captains were Dianne Evers and Andrew Rae (Australia), and Don Turner (New Zealand) with Emily Arbuthnott (Great Britain) for the World team.

Across generations and continents, the standard of doubles and mixed doubles on Kooyong’s grass courts was impressively high.

After two full days of spirited but friendly competition, Australia emerged victorious, 21–9.

A week of tennis and fellowship

Proceedings began on Monday with a team practice followed by a welcome high tea in the Stadium Room. Among those in attendance were members of Australian tennis royalty, including Rod Laver, Ken Rosewall, Cedric Mason and Judy Dalton. Their presence set the tone for a week steeped in history and camaraderie.

On Tuesday, players were guests of Tennis Australia at the Australian Open, receiving ground passes and attending a cocktail function in the Last Eight Lounge, with addresses from Wendy Turnbull and Nicole Pratt.

Wednesday and Thursday saw full days of matches, lunches in the Davis Cup Room (75 and 80 attendees respectively), and a Thursday afternoon presentation function attended by 97 players and guests.

Friday night’s Gala Dinner in the Kooyong Room was the social pinnacle of the week, with 160 guests in attendance including 16 Grand Slam Champions.

Tennis legends and dignitaries included Frank and Jean Sedgman, Margaret and Barry Court, Rod Laver and family, Ken Rosewall, Lesley and Bill Bowrey, Peter McQuibban, Paul McNamee and Gail Benedetti.

Highlights of the evening included:

• Margaret Court presenting the winner’s trophy to Judy Dalton
• Ken Rosewall presenting the Ken Rosewall Award to Tamaka Kanroji
• Scott Draper conducting roving interviews with legends
• Luke and Daria Saville speaking about life on tour and starting a family
• Cutting of the 75th anniversary cake
• A tribute to Kerryn Pratt from Noel Jensen
• Dancing into the night with live entertainment.

More than a tournament

While Australia claimed the trophy, the true success of the week was the reconnection of former competitors under the IC banner, sharing stories, laughter and grass-court rallies at one of the world’s most historic tennis venues.

The IC Grand Slam Reunion is now set to become a cherished biennial tradition — a celebration not just of tennis excellence, but of lifelong friendship across nations.

You can read the full event report – including match results – below.