LAWN TENNIS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 261, 3 November 1932, Page 18

LAWN TENNIS.

WORLD'S CHAMPION IN ACTION.

AMERICANS' BRIGHT DISPLAY*

(By HALF-VOLLEY.)

Not since 1920, when the American Davis Cup team, consisting of Tilden and Johnston, successfully challenged and defeated Australasia, represented- by Brookes and Patterson, to the tune of five matches to nil, have the Auckland public been privileged to witness such tennis as was provided by the American team which passed through here this week.

Owing to the late arrival of the Niagara, the players had no time to find their land legs. Half an hour after the vessel berthed at the Prince's wharf, the first exhibition singles match had commenced. It was, therefore, not to be eX' pected that the players would be in perfect trim, yet they gave a thrilling exhibition, sufficient to show us what may be expected from theee "stars" when in perfect shape. , , . i -. : -.. - Two at least of this team must find a place in this year's "world first ten, while Van Ryn, if not ranked in this select number in singles,' wijl most certainly bo accorded a very high place in doubles with his redoubtable partner, Allison. World's Foremost Player. Vines, by winning the Wimbledon and American singles titles, has clearly earned the right to be ranked as the world s f or e" most player. His only defeat was at the hands of an inspired Borotra in the Davis Cup challenge round when the Frenchman won in four sets. Vines defeated Crawford in America and at Wimbledon, besides claiming two victories over Cochet and one over Austin in the Wimbledon final. . , His record to date is certainly an impressive one, so much so that critics already consider him superior to Tilden at his best. Be this as it may, Vines has a good deal to accomplish yet to line up with Tilden's wonderful record. To hold both the American and Wimbledon titles while still under 21 years of age, as Vines does, muet be a feat not previously equalled. Vines possesses a very powerful service and forehand drive, this wing being much more forceful than the backhand, which, however, is quite reliable and at times brilliant. He strikes one as being more at home on the base line than at the net. His is certainly a polished style, the result of some years of special coaching. Allison proved to be a very solid player indeed and the manner in which he handled Vines' service, most times from inside the baso line, was a revelation. Some beautiful rallies were witnessed in this game, though one always had the feeling that Vines was on top. Allison will undoubtedly be ranked No. 2 in America this year, and is also assured of a high place in a world's ranking. Twice previously he has been included in the "select ten." It* will be recalled that Allison almost won (some, assert did win) tie Davis Cup this year for America. He led Borotra 5—3, and 40—15 in the fifth set, only to lose these two match points. Again in the next game, he reached match point, when Borotra served a double fault, which was not called against him. The Frenchman then went on to win the match at 7—5, and also the cup. It was during this game, and when Allison required only two points for the match, that Borotra was granted permission to change his shoes for the third, time, an incident which has evoked much criticiem. Allison has proved himself a player of class and will undoubtedly do well in Australia. Van Ryn and'Gledhiß are lesser lights in the singles game, ranking about seventh and tenth respectively in America. At present Van Ryn employs more spin which assists him in bringing off some stinging dross-court shots, which is a tremendous asset in the doubles game. Gledhill possesses -nice strikes, but gives the impression that his game has not yet been consolidated. His experience in Australia should do him a world of good, and he should return a greatly improved player. Allison and Van Ryn combined much better than their opponents in the'doubles match, and would appear to be the better pair. Recent results, however, do not bear out this view, as Vines and Gledhill have two victories over them of late. Xhe way Allison and Van Ryn hug the net was an object lesson; Gledhill, on the other hand, appeared slow at getting in to back up his partner. Can Crawford Win? Having seen these players in action, it will add greater interest to their matches in Australia, where Crawford will have a chance for revenge. It is admitted that Crawford is a much tougher proposition on his own soil, and it would cause no surprise to hear of his scoring a victory over his classy opponent. Australians will also have a chance to'see just where their "boy wonder," McGrath,'stands... Personally, I give him no chance against either Vines or Allison, although the experience must do. him good. Parnell's jubile* It was' unfortunate that bad weather interfered with this club's jubilee, which function was proceeded with, although no play took place. A large gathering of members, old members, and_ well-wishers attended to mark the occasion, and" congratulate this club on achieving -ite 60th birthday. Otliar opening functions were postponed, with the result that Royal Oak, Eden and Epsom and Remuefa will open on Saturday next.