FRANK SEDGMAN’S PLANS

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26617, 31 December 1951, Page 4

FRANK SEDGMAN’S PLANS

“Will Play Again For Australia”

(Rec. 7.10 p.m.) SYDNEY. Dec. 30. The main question arising from the Davis Cup contest appears to be settled by a statement made by Frank Sedgman to the “Sunday Telegraph." Sedgman says: “I have decided to play in the next Davis Cup serie* if selected because I feel I owe a great deal to Australian tennis. I am only 24 and there is no reason why I should not improve my game. “If I hold my form until the challenge round in 1952 and am selected, I think the cup has a good chance of remaining in Australia. That would mean another challenge round here in 1953. By that time the younger players will be reaching their peak and I would feel I could leave the amateur field with an easy mind if I still felt inclined to do so. “I have absolutely no tie-up with any professional promoter. If I do turn professional after the 1952 challenge round there will be at least three world class players to help Australia keep the cup unless they too turn professional. These three can come from McGregor, Rose, Ayre, Rosewall and Hoad “I think I shall sleep well to-night because I have made my decision and put an end to all speculation about my part in the Davis Cup next year.” It is known that one offer by the Melbourne promoter, Ted Humphrey, was for £40,000 and a share of the gate takings for a 16 months’ world tour.

The American coach and world professional tennis champion. Jack Kramer, previously expressed the opinion that Sedgman would be unwise to turn professional until he tried for the Australian title next month and the Wimbledon title in July. U.S. Prospect* “Dim” The tennis writer, Gayle Talbot, of the Associated Press of America, says: “Unless Sedgman turns professional America’s chances of recapturing the Davis Cup in the near future are extremely dim. There is no amateur in the world to-day capable of extending the young Australian ace when he is at the top of his game. Those are the chief impressions gained from the last broiling days at White City. “Still another notion that cannot be proved is that the final score might have been 5-0 if the Australian selectors had not suffered a brainwave and named Rose to partner Sedgman in the singles instead of McGregor. “Not only does Sedgman stand head and shoulders above any player America has to offer at the moment, but at the back of him Australia boasts a group of amazingly fine youngsters who will be ready for Davis Cup play within a year or two.”