Final Singles Anti-Climax

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30511, 5 August 1964, Page 19

Final Singles Anti-Climax

From the Mexican point of 'lew, the final two singles were a disappointing anti-climax after the electric drama of the doubles.

Palafox was completely unable to cope with Stolle’s power as the big Australian, much more confident than in his earlier matches, scored an easy victory in only 72 minutes.

The final match, having no effect on the result, was merely an exhibition without much colour.

From the first game Stolle was in control. He served with great power and accuracy throughout the three sets and rifled the ball at Palafox from both wings. Time to Play Shots

Stolle always seemed to have plenty of time to play his shots, but Palafox was always scrambling and never really got into the match. The Mexican crowd, which had upset the Australian captai.., Mr Harry Hopman, by its partisanship on Sunday,

never had much of a chance to show its feelings yesterday.

Palafox’s deficiencies, shown up by Emerson on the first day, were clearly visible against Stolle. The Mexican number two has a solid game but lacks the power and speed to trouble a top-class player. Osuna, a player who needs the lift of keen competition to produce his best, was somewhat half-hearted in the first two sets as Emerson hammered him with drives of perfect length from both forehand and backhand. The Mexican was much better in the third set, making Emerson battle hard to hold his service in several games. But the Australian held on and finally broke through for a 10-9 lead when Osuna double-faulted at love--40. Emprson was down love-30 in the next game but attacked the net and finished off the match.

Osuna dropped service six times in the match and Emerson three times.

Australia will now play Chile in the American zone final, at Minneapolis on August 14-16.