THE RECENT TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 91, 10 January 1908, Page 5

THE RECENT TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Sir, —There is no doubt that some of the Wellington players •at the recent tournament did not, play up to their usual form. The principal reason for this , is that, with one exception, that of the Thorndon Club, the clubs have only asphalt courts.to play on, and when this fact is taken into consideration, and it is an important ono, the / playing on grass is a great change, and one that can-only bo overcomo by constant practice. That practice all other clubs had no chance of getting, _ except they went to Day'.s .Bay, and this was almost impossible to most, on account of-the distance and, more particularly, expense. Some lady players won't play on the asphalt courts unless thev. cannot help it, and therefore they have a great advantage when grass courts oiiiy aro to bo played on. In 'order to. test the quality of tho players on both kinds of courts, let six of tne best of the ladv and men players from each of tho clubs that took part, in the tournament play two lots of three sets for the ladies and five for the men, vantage games, oil the grass courts at Day's Bay, and the same on the most convenient asphalt courts in city; and,let the decision be on ,the most games won in the whole of the : sets. At the firstdrawing, if possible, no club mates to play against, each othor. A small entry fee for each player in each event could be charged, and tne amount given in prizes, and I daresay enthusiasts in tennis would give small donations. '■' 'By.',adopting something of the above proposal great interest would, I believe, bo. aroused, and it would really bo a good test as to what the :playors are under equal circumstances. Some really-good tennis should eventuate, and, another thing, it would give some of the proposed players who are to go to Australia a chance of good practice with each other—l am,-etc,,. . ... A SUPPORTER OF TENNIS. Wellington, January 6.