Australians Next Opponents For N.Z. Players

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30482, 2 July 1964, Page 16

Australians Next Opponents For N.Z. Players

(Special Correspondent NZ.P.A.)

LONDON, July 1.

The New Zealand pair, L. A. Gerrard and I. S. Crookenden, yesterday established themselves in the front jank of this year’s Wimbledon doubles partnerships.

Their spectacular win over the No. 1 seeds, C. R. Mc» Kinley and R. D. Ralston, to reach the semi-finals, was one of the great surprises of the championships.

They fought back from the loss of the first two sets, to win 4-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-5. The win was also a great boost to their morale for the semi-final against the Australians, R. Emerson and K. N. Fletcher, today. “We are absolutely thrilled with the way they played,” said Mr J. E. Robson, the New Zealand player, who is managing the pair. “What has been so encouraging has been the way Gerrard and Crookenden have been getting better and better as doubles partners. “They are determined to do well. Last Sunday, for instance, instead of taking

part in one of the traditional week-end matches arranged for Wimbledon visitors, they both practised doubles at Queen’s Club. “Their play has certainly sharpened up trenmedously. This was admirably shown on Monday when they went through Sangster and Wilson. “Yesterday was a great game. Gerrard played extremely well, his volleying and return service were magnificent Crookenden was solid, and attacking, and he was particularly good in getting out of trouble.” The Centre Court erupted when the final ball was hit and a packed gallery gave the Kiwis a standing ovation. But it had looked all over

when McKinley and Ralston took the first two sets. However, the New Zealanders burst back to take the third when McKinley dropped his service in the twelfth game. In the fourth set, which was chock full of thrills, the New Zealanders broke the moody Ralston’s service in the first game and went on the rampage. Above Themselves

Serving, volleying and smashing brilliantly, they played above themselves to run to 3-0.

McKinley, the defending champion who is to play his singles semi-final today, was obviously anxious that the doubles should not develop into a tiring five-setter. But the more he fretted the more erratic he became.

Crookenden held for 4-1, cleanly aceing McKinley once, and virtually aceing him immediately. afterwards when the American just got the tip of his • racket to a sizzling service as it zoomed by. McKinley Rattled The New Zealanders trailed, 2-4, in the decider when Crookenden dropped his service, but broke back immediately by taking McKinley’s. Games went with service to five-all. Then McKinley, thoroughly rattled and grimacing, dropped his serve again. Serving at 6-5, Gerrard raced to 40-0. There was a deafening roar when McKinley put out a volley to give the New Zealanders the match.