THE DAVIS CUP.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14524, 28 November 1912, Page 6

THE DAVIS CUP.

The thoughts of tennis players will now turn to Melbourne, for the contest between Great Britain and Australasia for the I>avis Cup is set down to commenco thero to-day. Thi3 is tho first time an English tennis team has visited Australia, and tho interest in the matches is very keen. The British team may not bo the strongest that could he picked, hut experts agree that it is a powerful side, and while tho goneral opinion seoms to be that tho Cup will bo retained by tho holders, there is no suggestion that tfie struggle will not bo severe. Dixon, the British captain, has said that tho issue depends largely on Brookes, and most people will agree with him. If Brookes.is in his best form, he will almost certainly win Ks two single matches, and he and Dunlop, if they reproduce tho form that delighted us here last season, should win tho doubles. There was at ono time some doubt as to whether Brookes could get properly fit for tho contest', but latest advices show that he, was making every effort to do so. It is stated this morning that Dixon will not play, owing to his inability to strike form, but it is not clear whether this refers to the whole series of matches, or to the doubles only. It has been anticipated that he would stand out of the doubles, hut it would bo very disappointing if he did not play at all. In spito of hjs forty years and his size, ho is perhaps the -best player in the team when in form, but his age and weight make it more difficult for him to keep fit in tho Australian climate than it is for a younger and lighter visitor. Previous results seem to favour the colonial players, hut tho visitors are skilful and full of dash and "grit," and will play to tho last ounce of their energy. .