2023 Presidents' Cup

2023 marked the playing of the 8th Presidents’ Cup, a biennial competition created to honor the late Robert “Bobby” Abdesselam and Eugene “Gene” Scott, longtime presidents of the French IC and USIC, respectively.  

Captains Erika Smith, Bruce Lipka and Charlie Hoeveler led Team USA to a 13-9 victory over the French IC Team France and retained the Presidents’ Cup for the fifth consecutive win. From November 27 to 29, members of the French IC and USIC competed at the New Orleans Lawn Tennis Club in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The last Presidents’ Cup was played in Normandy, France in 2018.  

Over four days, the US and French players and guests were able to renew friendships.  Because of the pandemic, the previous Presidents’ Cup was played over five years ago and everyone enjoyed reconnecting and catching up.  Before play began, the US and French teams were able to enjoy some sightseeing.  On Sunday, the players went on a tour of the French Quarter hosted by Tulane Professor of Architecture, Richard Campanella, and on Monday spent the morning at the World War II Museum.  After that, everyone turned their attention to tennis.  The players practiced on Monday afternoon, followed by the Welcome Dinner.  During the evening, the players celebrated Carolyn Nichols’ birthday with enthusiastic (and a bit off-key) singing. 

Matches began on Tuesday.  After two rounds of singles, the French were ahead 6-3.  However, the USIC prevailed in all three doubles matches, and the first day ended in a 6-6 tie.  In the evening, the players gathered for the IC Dinner.  Keeping with tradition, a player from each team was invited to become a member of the other IC.  Caroline Glaszmann was invited to join the USIC and Bruce Lipka was invited to join the French IC.  

On Wednesday, the US won four of the seven singles matches to take the lead 10-9, heading into the final three mixed doubles matches.  Once again, the USIC won all three matches.  Two of the matches went to a super tiebreaker, and the USIC prevailed 13-9. 

After a trophy presentation happy hour, players and guests went to Preservation Hall for a jazz performance.  It was a perfect way to cap off four days of tennis and friendship.