DAVIS CUP DEFENCE Only Santana In The Way

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30940, 22 December 1965, Page 15

DAVIS CUP DEFENCE Only Santana In The Way

(.V Z. Press Association—Copyright) SYDNEY. The professional tennis player, L. A. Hoad, believes the result of the Davis Cup challenge round between Australia, the holder, and Spain may be decided by the draw on Saturday.

Hoad, who has been practising with the Spaniards, said yesterday that if M. Santana was drawn against Emerson on the first day the cup could be decided by one match. “If Emerson beats Santana, it's all over.” he said. “Out of 28 times they have played Santana has won only once, so Emerson must start favourite.” Chances Finished Hoad said that once Santana lost a singles Spain's chances were finished. "There’s no way In the world that either Luis Ariila or Juan Gisbert could beat any of 'the Australians,” he said. Hoad strongly tipped Australia, because even if Santana won both his singles he could not see the Spaniards winning the doubles, no matter which Australian pair played. It would be bard for Santana to win both singles because he had not played a

serious match for seven weeks—since Spain met India in the inter-zone final. However, Santana had a morale-boosting win over Hoad in a practice match yesterday, winning 6-4, 6-3. But Hoad, too, was below his best, not having played for about five weeks. He missed many shots that normally would have been winners. The Spanish coach, Kurt Nielsen, said he believed Santana could beat which ever Australian he drew on the first day, and so keep Spain’s chances alive. But Nielsen agreed that winning the cup would not be easy. The challenge rotind will be played in Sydney on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.