Open Tennis

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31726, 9 July 1968, Page 12

Open Tennis

In spite of unusually bad weather, which reduced attendances, the first open Wimbledon fulfilled expectations that it would be one of the most exciting tournaments in lawn tennis history. Fifth of the approved open tournaments, Wimbledon exceeded in importance the other four together. Its significant features, together with the decision of the Davis Cup nations to admit registered players but not professionals, suggest the direction tennis may now take. The view held widely for many years—which was the view of this year’s seedings committee—that the professionals would dominate an open Wimbledon proved wrong. Of the 16 seeded men, 13 were professionals. Only eight of them were among the last 16. Of the first eight seedings, seven were professionals; but four amateurs reached the last eight and two of them went into the semi-finals.

Wimbledon’s tradition as a tournament of upsets is not explanation enough. One of the most astute of tennis professionals, Jack Kramer, suggested even before an open Wimbledon became certain, that the professionals might have difficulty winning five-set matches on grass. Playing only among themselves, the professionals, in spite of the incentive of graded prizes, have provided semi-exhibition tennis which, although delightful to watch, may lack something in competitive sharpness. Certainly it appears that many of the professionals are vulnerable to the competent and intensely competitive amateur who has everything to gain and little to lose. The days of the touring professional circus and of leading amateurs changing status for huge sums are probably over. Professionals will have to produce good results in open tournaments to stay in the market for the spectator.

The Wimbledon results and the decision of the Davis Cup nations must have weakened the position of the professional promoters and increased the power of the national amateur associations and their central group, the International Lawn Tennis Federation. The attraction of the registered player category for those who may accept monetary prizes at certain tournaments has been enhanced. These players will be able to earn their money without turning professional—some have already done so—and still play in the Davis Cup. Removing the last obstacle to the acceptance of money will have relieved the doubts of associations about giving their players freedom. It will probably cost a promoter more than he can afford to skim off the cream of amateur talent, as in the past; indeed, some of the most recently turned professionals may prefer to change their status to registered players. This will be a matter for a meeting of the I.L.T.F. next week when the status of players will be decided.

It is ironic that after opposing open tennis for many years because of their fears of the professionals and their promoters, the associations are now in the stronger position. They should not forget that the professionals have given the game wonderful service. Measures such as increasing the prize money at Wimbledon, where the amateurs’ success this year greatly reduced the costs of the tournament, would compensate the professionals for their disappoint- ? ver Davis Cup decision. Open tennis is still taking its early steps and it will have troubles to overcome before it is truly open