Fairlie ‘Player Of Future’

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31461, 30 August 1967, Page 17

Fairlie ‘Player Of Future’

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. B. Fairlie was the most promising tennis player in the world, the manager of the 1967 New Zealand Davis Cup team (Mr S. Painter) said in Wellington last night.

Mr Painter and the team had just returned from their overseas tour.

“Brian is recognised as the player of the future by the tennis nations of the world," Mr Painter said.

“He had his ups and downs overseas, but at the rate he is going he could easily become a world-ranked player. “His win against Mexico’s R. Osuna in the Davis Cup tie was a tremendous achievement He also had a great win against 0. Davidson (Australia) and a fine win against A. Roche (Australia) —probably his best win of the tour.

“Against the Russian Metreveli, at Wimbledon, Brian was playing badly and found himself two sets down. He had match point against him in the fourth, but survived and won magnificently in the fifth. “From all points of view the tour was a success. The

plan to send young players overseas for two years has paid off and now I think we have to view the future with an eye on our income.

“Young players have been given the chance and now we should select players on merit We have become better known as a tennis nation. Mr Painter said New Zealand must find a suitable playing surface for its tennis. “Grass is not suitable. Clay could be used, and tennis quick would fit the bill well if it were not so costly.”