IC Week - Le Touquet

IC Week 2019

8th - 12th September

Full results can be found here

The ladies were crowned deserving champions beating France in the final, while the men narrowly lost to Germany in the 3rd place play-off, with France winning the event. We were very well looked after - Le Touquet is a fantastic town to play tennis in.

IC Week - Men's Event - Match Report

Men's Captain Nick Adams:

Team: Lewis Burton, Oscar Podlewski, Seb Jackson, Nick Adams, Andy Burgoyne

The men's IC Week event was attended by 8 teams, a number of which fielded very strong individuals.  The host nation had the over 45 world champion and a past over 45 world champion (and past ATP no 61) on their seniors team, as well as a player who was until last year 170 in the world leading their open bracket.  It was no surprise that they ran out comfortable winners of the competition.  Other teams also had strong players representing their teams - Michael Berrer, with a win against Rafael Nadal in 2016, playing the tour until 2017 and inside top 50 at peak, turned out for Germany, and Luis Hererer, also top 50 at peak played for Mexico.

The GB team, represented by Lewis Burton and Oscar Podlewski in the Open, and Seb Jackson, Andy Burgoyne and Nick Adams in the over 45s finished 4th.  The team played well to beat Luxembourg 4-2 in the quarter finals, winning both doubles comfortably to clinch the tie.  However, the French were simply too strong at singles in the semifinals, and the team were 4-0 down before the doubles matches.  In the 3rd/4th play-off vs Germany, we were pipped at the post, losing on a deciding champions tie-break with Michael Berrer proving the difference between the teams - experience certainly counted!

The hospitality was fantastic, with the French IC putting on very generous evening events throughout the week.  As a team we were chaperoned by 1967 Roland Garros winner Francoise Durr, who was tireless in her efforts to ensure we enjoyed ourselves.  We agreed to award Francoise membership of the IC of Great Britain.

IC Week - Ladies Event - Match Report

Ladies Captain: Leyla Ogan 

Team: Katie O’ Brien; Lucie Ahl and Leyla Ogan 

We had a great week in Le Touquet competing in IC week. On day 1 ee were drawn against Ireland first round and we had a 3/0. Katie was competing in the open age group and Lucie in the over 40s. Lucie and myself paired up for the doubles. We had a great start to the event and beat the Irish 3/0. The afternoon was spent relaxing and exploring around the town. In the evening we had a really nice dinner on the harbour and were treated to the train ride in and out of town. 

We played Germany in the semi finals: We knew this was going to be a tough day as we knew the girls from various events. We went into the doubles at 1-1 after Lucie had a tough match and Katie played awesome to level the tie. Katie and Lucie battled thru an epic doubles having lost the first set 6-0 but then won 10-8 in the champs tie break to put us into the finals. 

The ladies and the men enjoyed a cycle round town with the other teams and had a great sightseeing trip. 

Day 3 was Finals Day v France followed by a Gala Dinner. Lucie was first up against Olivia Ferry and started out so strong. Her experience prevailed and put GB in the lead. Katie was on next in the open age group. Katie who barely made a mistake all week continued her form and got the job done. GB beat France 2-0 in the finals and we were the champions. We were presented at the Gala Dinner 

We all had a great week and enjoyed the hospitality of the French. It was great to meet new people and catch up with old tennis friends. 

Great trip and thanks for the support everyone