AUSTRALIA LEADING IN DAVIS CUP

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28161, 27 December 1956, Page 7

AUSTRALIA LEADING IN DAVIS CUP

Americans Beaten In Singles Matches

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

(Rec. 11 p.m.) ADELAIDE, December 26.

Australia seems certain to retain the Davis Cup, possibly by five matches to nil.

Lewis Hoad and Ken Rosewall put Australia two matches up in the challenge round against the United States al Memorial Drive today. Hoad played masterfully to beat Herb Flam in straight sets 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 and Rosewall had the measure of the veteran Vic Seixas to win 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-1.

Hoad and Rosewall seem certain to represent Australia in the doubles match tomorrow. If they win. as seems almost inevitable. Australia will be in an unbeatable position with only two more singles matches to be played.

The American doubles combination has been announced as Seixas and Sammy Giammalva, but the team captain, Bill Talbert, emphasised that this was subject to alteration. The draw for the final singles is Flam v. Rosewall and Seixas v. Hoad.

In 73 minutes, Hoad put Australia one match up. Hoad played masterful tennis to beat 28-year-old Flam in straight sets, though he had to drive, smash, and volley his way through a surprisingly difficult Flam to do it. Flam, who was not expected to provide much opposition to the brilliant young Australian, often had Hoad on the defensive with his speed around the court and deceptive change of pace. Hoad served with great power, but Flam got the ball back. When Flam got to the net, Hoad found him hard to pope with. He volleyed and smashed his way through many rallies in which he appeared to have Hoad’s measure. However, Hoad gradu-

ally wore the American down. Hoad played his best tennis in the first two sets when he broke through Flam’s service almost at will and held his own comfortably. In the third set, Flam surprised the 18,000 spectators by breaking through Hoad’s first service. Flam had another chance to break through later in the set, but Hoad was just too good for him. Rosewall proved himself the master of Seixas, although Seixas played excellent tennis to take the third set. Seixas appeared slower in his court movements than a year ago, and this is obviously his last year in first-class tennis.