TENNIS CHAMPIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 292, 7 December 1920, Page 7

TENNIS CHAMPIONS.

ARRIVAL OF COMPETITORS, j } AMERICAN CHALLENGERS | HOPEFUL. Tne significance of the Davis Cup competition, which is to be decided for the tir>t time in its history in New Zealand,' ■■na- better rpalised laet night when the challengers for priority in the tennis ■world, tho American team, arrived last night by tne Niagara. America has i pinned her hopes in a team of four. Messrs. S. H. Hardy I captain I, VV. T. Tilden. \Y. M. Johnston, anl Wateon W ashburn. but. from the briet conversation which a "Star" reporter had with fipm on thp vessel it i- evident that rrf-ided nothing untoward occurs only . Slp—rs. Ti'.den and Johnston will appear in thp actual limelight; of the contest. T'.oth are premier singles piayer? ot totally different playing tactics perhap-, hut of very nearly equal merits, though i ontests up to date have shown Tilden to be thp ace. Tiiden is tall and slimly 'nuilt. standing over six feet, while Johnston i.-* of much different physique, and turn* the scalp at just about nine stnr.e. It seems paradoxical, but the smaller-built man is the har 1 hitter oi tie team. The other two members of the team are in the tir-t flight of America's champions. \Va>hburn in par- ! ti'-ular having a lons record. Speaking ot the team's prospects Mr. I Hardy, who is accompanied by Mrs. I Hardy, said: "Well, we are sending our j very "best men. If we are beaten we will ; ha<- e no alibis to make." All the team i were in good health, he said, and aimous to get into eoiid training, and make' themsehes acquainted with Auckland courts. A litt';p practice had been Indulged in at Honolulu and Suva, and all f were in good form. Mr. Hardy could not etate definitely what would be the ■ personnel of the challenge team on the day. as the play of any one was likely to j vary from time to time. It was evident, i however, that the Americans count Tilden, as their premier player, and ex- , pert Johnston to be his right hand in the ;

assault upon the coveted trophy.

AUSTRALIAN TRIP UNLIKELY. "Australia is disappointed at the probability of the trip across the Tasman being abandoned," remarked the man. In admitting that the continuation of the team's voyage as a team was more of a possibility than a probability, Mr. H»rdy expressed regret thai, it should. be so. "Tilden is ready to go, as is Washbum and myself." said Mr. Hardy, "but Johnston does not see his way clear under the present arrangements. He is ajixiou? to return early in January." , Continuing, he eaid that this young player had recently married, and had .been away from home for nine months. Hβ naturally was anxious to visit Australia, but there did not geem any possibility of getting, across the Tasman in tbe time at his disposal. ''If Tilden and

Johnston or either cannot go extra matches must be considered off." Mr. Hardy concluded that nothing was settled as to partners or play until shortly before the match, though the general tenour of the team's conversation indicated that they would play as already stated.