FRENCH TENNIS TEAM.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19227, 6 February 1928, Page 9

FRENCH TENNIS TEAM.

WINS IN SINGLES AND DOUBLES. AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS. (by cable—pbess association— copyright.) (australian and n.z. cable association.) (Received February sth, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 5. In the final of the men's singles championship of Australia, Borotra beat Cummings (New South Wales) 64, 6-1, 5-7, 6-3. Borotra showed wonderful speed and volleyed and smashed perfectly. Cummings' tennis improved greatly during the latter part of the game, but be was unable to beat the agile Frenchman. Borotra in the early part of the match played further back than usual to counter Cummings' cross court strokes. He made several errors off Cummings' slow shots, and his foothold was somewhat insecure. This hindered him considerably. Cummings played very gamely. In the "final of the doubles championship, Brugnon and Borotra beat Willard (New South Wales) and Moon (Queensland) 6-2, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5. Borotra made many wonderful interceptions, but sometimes failed in his returns. Willard played magnificently, making winner after winner, seldom missing volley or smash, and carrying the attack to his opponents throughout. Moon was disappointing. He appeared nervy, frequently letting the ball pass. Brugnon played in a style far away ahead of anv exhibition yet given here, and the Frenchmen won a well-earned doubles title of Australia. Footfaults were frequently called against them, and the action of the umpire puzzled the spectators, in view of the Lawn Tennis Association Management Committee's decision not to enforce a rigid interpretation of the footfault rule in any matches in which the Frenchmen were engaged. The frequent calling upset both Borotra, and Brugnon, hut they took the decisions in a sporting spirit.

SUGGESTED RECALL. ATTITUDE OF FRENCH AUTHORITIES. (AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. AND SUN CABLE.) PARIS, February 3. The French Tennis Federation confirms the report that in view of the Davis Cup it desires the touring tennis players to return as early as possible. An official explains that they had not cabled as the team was in the midst of its chief engagements, but that viewpoint is being conveyed to the team by letter.

STATEMENT BY BOROTRA. SYDNEY, February 4. Referring, to the cable from Paris (published yesterday) Jean Borotra said he had not received any cable from the French Lawn Tennis Association asking them to return to France in view of the approaching Davis Cup matches. He does not expect to receive one, and says the French Association approved of the arrangements before they left, and they will carry out their part of the programme.