Warm welcome, and an award, for club member at Japanese tennis club

by Julian Wellings | 26 May 2026 | centenary tennis clubs, international, tennis

East Glos is proud to be a member of the Association of Centenary Tennis Clubs (CTC), comprising 98 clubs in 29 countries. A benefit for members of CTC clubs is the opportunity to arrange introductions to CTC member clubs overseas.

Club member David Barham has been to the Yokohama International Tennis Community (formerly club) for a second time, having first visited in 2024.

David takes up the story.

On Saturday, 16th May, Yokohama held the World Triathlon Championships in Yamashita Park. In the nearby, picturesque Yamate Park, another global event was unfolding: the Yokohama International Doubles Tournament, hosted by the Yokohama International Tennis Community (YITC).

I enjoyed three sets of tennis on their manicured clay courts, and a tour of the club, including their museum, where assembled exhibits and displays revealed a long and fascinating history. A full day concluded with a light meal in the company of club members who had displayed overwhelming kindness and hospitality.

So it was with genuine excitement that I accepted an invitation to take part in this year’s tournament and return to the club which had made such an indelible impression on my first visit in 2024. A memorial stone at the entrance to the grounds recognises Yokohama as the birthplace of tennis in Japan. The plaque also acknowledges the contributions of British Victorian women who founded The Yokohama Ladies Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on this site in Yamate in 1878.

The YITC gradually embraced a cosmopolitan aura, which would play a significant role in its evolution. A new milestone was reached in 2003, when they became the first Asian club to be admitted to the CTC, a badge they proudly and prominently display.

Today, the YITC is a prime mover in the Asian region, organising several events, among which the International Doubles Tournament is perhaps the most celebrated on the calendar, an open tournament that traditionally attracts a strong field.

This year, 80 players from 22 countries competed in the Governor’s Cup (men’s doubles) and the Mayor’s Cup (mixed doubles). Two of the most featured players this year were Thet Lwin, a former Myanmar Davis Cup player, and Naoko Sawamatsu (now Niwa), who represented Japan in the Fed Cup, the Olympics, and the Asian Games, where she won two gold medals. She won four WTA titles and a world ranking of 14, completing an impressive CV.

As the tournament progressed, so did the level of play. This was hammer and trowel tennis: serves which momentarily seemed to vaporise the ball, supported by ferocious ground strokes punctuated with touch and finesse which appeared to defy the science of velocity.

Played in front of a large audience, the finals didn’t disappoint. Winning shots were met with enthusiastic applause, while the spectacular drew gasps of disbelief, followed by rapturous acclaim. Both finals went to the wire and provided not only a worthy spectacle but also a fitting climax to an amazing day’s tennis.

My own contribution to this affair? Together with my partner Hiroshi Kawasaki, we reached the second round, where reality in the shape of the fourth seeds finally enshrouded us. Yet we kept them on court longer than expected and accumulated more games than initially looked possible. As the most senior players in the draw by far, with a combined age of 145 years, this seemed a notable overachievement!

Throughout the day, voices from many countries could be heard, a theme echoed during the trophy presentation and closing ceremony. In his address, the club president congratulated the worthy winners and all the competitors who came from a variety of international backgrounds. Interacting through tennis and deepening friendships which transcended both language and cultural differences, while at the same time advancing mutual understanding. Sentiments in accord with the whole day’s activities.

As the ceremony proceeded, and much to my surprise, my own name was called. An award! For the competitor who had travelled the farthest distance to take part. Surrounded by so many accomplished players left me totally overwhelmed and a little embarrassed. Yet the warmth of the reception drew me to make a short speech of thanks and appreciation to all those involved, especially the Yokohama club.

The celebrations went on into the night, where old acquaintances were renewed and new friendships formed.  Reluctant to leave, the hour of departure inevitably arrived, but I took with me many memories. I was reminded that you never know where sport will take you or who you might meet along the journey.

Read more about our CTC membership and how to play at member clubs globally.