TENNIS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 74, 9 January 1936, Page 2

TENNIS.

ADRIAN QUIST’SI ADVANCE. ABOVE CRAWFORD IN AUSTRALIAN TENNIS. Three months- ago Ave took it for granted that Jack Crawford, holding champion of Australia, Victoria, Ncav South Wales and Queensland, could defeat any Australian player at Avill, Avrites a Melbourne critic. This proved a delusion Avhen Adrian Quist, the young South Australian and Davis Cup representative, eliminated CraAvford from t-he semi-finals of the New South Wales championship, and then defeated Hopman in the final. After seeing the ease Avith which CraAvford handled Quist last season, I subscribed to the vieAV that the day of the younger man Avas not yet here. CraAvford defeated Quist for the Queensland title, gave him a tennis lesson in the final of the Victorian championship, and then elimin.ated him in the semi-finals of the national singles. On reflection, hoAvever, it is noted that Quist all this time was bustling CraAvford if only in patches. His tennis shoAved Avonderful promise last season, especially after he thrashed Perry in the semi-finals of the Victorian championships. He Avent abroad with the Davis Cup team threatening the position of Vivian McGrath as second singles string to CraAvford. Abroad he was a disappointment in singles. His doubles play, however, Avon him praise in all countries. To-day Quist is a better player than ever before. He has always been an efficient stroke maker of the orthodox school, but lacked something in tactics when he came up against the bigger men of the game. CraAvford, in particular, seemed to bold him where and Avhen he would. This is understandable, for Quist, for years, has been CraAvford’s opponent Avlien training ioi Davis Cup ties. Perhaps Quist has been so impressed by Crawford’s metliods that lie has lacked something ot confidence in playing him. That day lias passed. Noav Quist has become so accustomed to CraAAfoid s methods that he can anticipate Crawford’s every mo\ r e. Ho runs mstmctively to the spot where Crawford will put the ball. All this must b© worrying to CraAvford, who lias never slioAvn a great deal of initiative, and aa-lio has invanably succumbed to the man Avho has broken through his plan of campaign. Quist’s shots from the back oi the court are so good that Crawfoid is not now his master from this region. He A r aries his pace and length as readily as does CraAvford. Closer in Quist is tAvice the man CraAvford is. That is putting the rosy side ot Quist’s case. On the other hand CraAvford must be recognised as the man with the odds in hand. Quist will have to take the initiative, for CraAvford is far too steady a player to defeat himself, Avhile Quist Avaits. Quist has to master Crawford s passing shots, upset his angling, in lact, take all the chances in the eftort to force CraAvford out of position. I think Quist’s activity and stamina Avill enable him to do this.