Ralph & Mary Wilson
Friendship Cup
Ralph and Mary Wilson
The Wilson Friendship Cup is organized and hosted by the National Senior Women’s Tennis Foundation and made possible by generous contributions from The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. It began in 2001 in Pörtscach, Austria on Lake Wörthersee where players were treated to magnificent views of the Italian Alps and the aqua water. It is one of the best things about being a NWTO member and unless you are of a certain age, you probably don’t even know about it!
The philosophy behind the Wilson Friendship Cup is to celebrate women who have put themselves on the line competing in tournaments. It is not about the best. Players are selected in a lottery, so if you are lucky enough to be 75 or older and belong to the NWTO you have a chance to take part in this wonderful competition. Players are only invited for one year, so each competition celebrates all new ladies, and new friendships being made. Over 300 women aged 75 and older from all over the globe have participated.
The Cup is always organized before an International Tournament and all the players are invited to stay on and play this tournament as well. All that stay to play the International tournament will be treated to another week at the hotel with room and half board. In 2024 the Friendship Cup was played before the ITF Feld Am See MT700 in the beautiful area of Carinthia in the town of Feld Am See, Austria and it will be there again in September 2026. Because of the Friendship Cup many women who have competed for years have had the opportunity to play on a team competing internationally.
The Friendship Cup is held every two years. Applications are available starting in the fall of the year preceding the year in which the Cup is held.
2026 FRIENDSHIP CUP
STATUS: Applications opened
FRIENDSHIP CUP: SEPTEMBER 2026, TBD
ITF MASTERS 700 TOURNAMENT: SEPTEMBER 2026, TBD
LOCATION: FEld am SEE, Austria
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: November 1, 2025
Send your questions to CINDY BABB, PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Email: wilsonfriendshipcup@gmail.com
2024 Mary & Ralph Wilson Friendship Cup
by Brenda Winstead
The United States Team is represented by: Brenda Carter, Gay Finch, Susan Kimball, Lida Lloyd, Judy McAllister, Toni Novak, Mary Alice Pisani, Hanni Seitz, Chris Smith, Adrienne Sprouse, Suella Steel, Brenda Winstead
The 2024 Ralph and Mary Wilson Friendship Cup was held September 8-11 in the idyllic Carinthian village of Feld am See, Austria. Mary and Ralph’s philosophy behind the Friendship Cup is to celebrate women who have put themselves on the line by competing in National and Level 2 tournaments. Because of their generous tribute, twelve women 75 and older from the United States and 12 International players are randomly selected to compete in singles and doubles in beautiful Austria. I encourage you to submit your application for the 2026 FC. After reading the impressions from some of the 2024 participants, I know you will want to be a part of the incredible adventure!
Toni Novack—The Friendship Cup team in Austria was a joy to be a part of--tennis is always competitive but the “sisterhood”, fellowship, and bonds that are part of this event is what makes this tournament special. Thank you Mary (and Ralph) for giving us this incredible opportunity.
Mary Alice Pisani—Friendship Cup is tennis in a spectacular mountain setting with dense forest, rushing streams, biking/hiking trails and a lake and pools for swimming. But the best part is meeting players from all over the USA and the world who share a love of tennis competition.
Brenda Carter—The Friendship Cup event has been a once in a lifetime experience for me. We have had the opportunity to combine the beauty of location, fun tennis, tough competition, new friends, teamwork, lots of laughs and much more. I am forever thankful.
Adrienne Sprouse—We have traveled to Feld am See from hither and yon, across many oceans, each with a rich and heartfelt story to tell. Tennis has not been our only ambition, but at this point in our lives, tennis is one of our most endearing loves. The Friendship Cup honors our age and achievements and provides a loving tribute to senior women tennis fostering friendship and sportsmanship around the globe. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to compete in the sport we love.
Anne Rungi and Jeannette McGlone (International players)—The International Team captained by Kerry Ballard faced off against a strong American team competing in 12 singles matches on Day #1 and 6 doubles matches on Day #2. The competing teams displayed great sportsmanship. The International Team prevailed, earning the honor of their names to be engraved on the coveted Friendship Cup trophy. Tennis was the activity but friendship was the goal. The Alte Post Hotel, part of the beautiful Brennseehof Resort, provided the rooms and hospitality for all players. Our breakfasts, lunches and dinners and gala events were superb. The food was delicious, always artistically presented with attention to any dietary needs. The staff was incredible. Our sincere thanks to Ann Moore, the Foundation’s Program Director and Kathy Langer, her Executive Assistant, for their dedication in ensuring the success of this memorable, world class event. The International Team appreciates the continuing generosity of Mary Wilson making this unique event possible. Thank You!
Brenda Winstead—The Friendship Cup was special in many ways. For me, it was my first experience playing in an international competition. Playing on red clay surrounded by a lake and the Alps in beautiful Feld am See was amazing. The competition was fierce but after the matches there was mutual appreciation and bonding. I would like to thank Anne Moore and Kathy Langer for their dedication and commitment to making this year’s Friendship Cup a memorable experience. Your attention to detail made it truly special. And, thank you Mary for making this journey an unforgettable experience!