Auckland Shows How To Lift Tennis Standards

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28434, 14 November 1957, Page 17

Auckland Shows How To Lift Tennis Standards

TN the promotion of tournaments 1 and competitive play for topclass tennis players, the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association is setting an example which could well be followed by other bodies, including the Canterbury association. In theory, the tennis season has only just begun, but Aucklanders have been participating in tournaments for two months, and the strength of tennis in the northern province is demonstrated by the standard of play so far seen.

As early as September 15, all the best players in Auckland were taking part in the West End club’s invitation tourney. The men’s singles field included at least seven players with overseas experience, and most of Auckland’s very promising juniors. Five of New Zealand’s top eight women players also took part. The displays of the younger players, B. E. Woolf. K. H. Long and Miss Jill Glenie, gave further indication of the value of such tournaments.

Since then, in addition to the Labour week-end tournament. Auckland players have participated in the Piha invitation doubles . tournament, and the Campbell Park club’s night doubles tournament. The Piha tournament was won by the Davis Cup players. L. A. Gerrard and C. T. Parker, but only after a very close game with the juniors J. Souter and A. Chester, whom they beat 6-4 in the third set. Night Doubles A further night doubles tournament will be held in a week’s time, and entries include Gerrard and Parker, and J. E. Robson and A. S. Burns. Two pairs in the women’s section are Misses P. Nettleton and D. Taylor, and Miss R. Morrison and Mrs H. Robson. At the end of November, the Remuera club will hold a further invitation tournament, and entries include Robson, Gerrard. Parker, Burns and Woolf, as well as all the leading women players. 1

It is no coincidence that the strongest players are concentrated in Auckland; such intense competitive play can have no otherl effect than a general raising of the' standard in the centre concerned.! The question can be asked as to why Canterbury does not conduct! and encourage such tournaments.) Interest in tennis has been waning in the province for several years, in common with a decline in the standard of play. SUch a state of affairs is likely to be self-perpetuating, and there is a real danger that any promising players will seek to advance their game in other centres. It has already reached the stage where some of the best juniors in the province do not compete in the Canterbury championships,! preferring to play in North Island tournaments where a better standard of competition can be expected. Facilities It is generally agreed that facili-j ties for play in Christchurch are' the best in the Dominion. Top- 1 class coaching is available, and the only thing lacking is the hard match-play which is needed to supplement stroke practice. With lighted courts at the Opawa and South Christchurch clubs, it is surprising that the Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association does not attempt to arrange more invitation tournaments. The great success of the Labour week-end tournament surely indicates that the players would respond.

The association’s incoherent policy in regard to the proposed hard-court inter-club competition, and the scant encouragement rejeeived by clubs arranging night competitions, cannot encourage those players in the province who are sincerely interested in improving their tennis. Public support depends on the standard of play, and competition should be provided by the association. Clubs should not be left to do the association’s work.