Aust. “Degrades” Tennis

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30560, 1 October 1964, Page 19

Aust. “Degrades” Tennis

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) ' LONDON, Sept. 30. Australia had degraded lawn tennis in the eyes of the world, the “Daily Mai!” sports writer, Gerald Williams, wrote today. Williams said the world “should regard with cynicism and distaste the back-slap-ping and jubilation that has followed Australia’s victory over America in the Davis Cup. “For the unhappy truth is that Roy Emerson and Fred Stolle have regained the championship of the world in spite of their national association, which will now seek to take the credit.

“Australia holds the Davis Cup again through the generosity of tobacco firms which employ Emprson and Stolle

and allow them to remain—in the hazy eyes of the International Federation—amateurs.

“The cup is theirs again because the Australian L.T.A. abandoned their quaint principles for financial gain.” That was the real background of what happened in Ohio, Williams said.

“It seemed petty enough when, early this year, the Australian association barred Emerson, Stolle, and a small band of independents from national teams because they broke an embargo on foreign competition before a stipulated date. “Petty, but at least it had authority. Then, as soon as they realised that without Emerson and Stolle they could not even reach the Davis Cup final, let alone win it, they promptly forgave them.

“Australia, by its dogged

opposition to the enlightened efforts of Britain and France to clean up this shamateur sport, had already degraded lawn tennis in the eyes of the world. “Its behaviour leading to this new Davis Cup victory shames it still further.” Williams predicted that as soon as the triumph dies in Melbourne there will be a new row. “The top Australian players were truculent during their last home season because they considered they should be paid ‘reasonable’ expenses to compete in State championships. “How much braver will they be now they have shown they can defy their association and still be welcomed back as heroes? “For the sake of lawn tennis it would have been better had Australia lost last week-end.” , c