Aust. Challenging U.S. Right To Davis Cup

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32392, 3 September 1970, Page 9

Aust. Challenging U.S. Right To Davis Cup

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

MELBOURNE. Australia last night challenged the United States to play a Davis Cup-style tie with the best players from each nation including professionals.

The challenge was issued by the Australian Lawn Tennis Association shortly after America’s 5-0 defeat of West Germany in the challenge round in Cleveland.

The president (Mr W. Reid) sent the challenge cable direct to the United States L.T.A president (Mr A. Martin); Mr Reid said Australia

would play the match “anywhere. at any time and on any surface to suit the Americans.” 'Tm confident we’ll beat them if they accept the challenge,” he said. “Because the Davis Cup nations conference refused to allow professionals to play. America is the champion tennis nation of the world,” Mr Reid said. “I believe we should be the top tennis nation because we have the best players.” Mr Reid said Australia had led the fight for two years to have the Davis Cup open to all players.

“Our efforts have been frustrated by the opposition of fellow conference nations,” Mr Reid said. “That is why we’ve decided to make our own challenge before making anothei bid for an open Davis Cup.” He hoped the tie would be played before next year. He was confident agreement could be reached with the World Championship Tennis Inc., which controls the professionals. If America accepts the challenge, Australia’s team probably would be R. Laver, J. D. Newcombe, A. D. Roche and K. R. Rosewall or R. Emerson.