QUIST FAVOURED FOR WIMBLEDON

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 210, 2 June 1936, Page 9

QUIST FAVOURED FOR WIMBLEDON

Crawford’s High Praise

AUSTRALIANS’ TACTICS IN DOUBLES

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright (Received June 1, 8.25 p.m.) Germantown, May 31. Relaxed and in genial mood, Crawford to-night sketched for the Australian Associated Press Agency what is in bis mind concerning Australia’s position in international tennis. He was asked : “Who is going to win at Wimbledon and is von Crarnm a menace?” “Von Crarnm is beatable," said Crawford. “It is hard to tell what is going to happen so early in the season, but the trends are noticeable. I fancy Australia will make her mark in this year’s records. Quist is my choice for top ranking sooner or later. His steady climb to ever finer tennis is phenomenal, and his improvement will still continue. His game has rounded out and lie has the temperament for tournament play. The foot-fault incident, which would have broken the nerve of a lesser figure, only made him more certain of himself. He will give a good account of himself to-morrow, and I favour him for Wimbledon. His evenness of play, his dependability in tight places and, above all. his increasing mastery of his strokes make him the best tennis risk in the world to-day.” How Doubles Were Won. Crawford had earlier explained to the Australian Associated Press agency the technique which Ire and Quist used in the final set of the doubles. “Of course, one can only say that we got the breaks to-day,” he said. “Luck was on our side, but it was quite obvious what tactics we had to adopt as the match progressed. Mako’s game was failing and we played to him. The result was fortunate.

“As for to-morrow, I am through with predicting results. One never tells v/’re will win a tennis match until the ii/itch is over.” Mrs. Crawford was extremely elated. *Two against one is a happy situation,” site said. “I am relieved and very contented, nnd pleased at the way Jack played to-day. To-morrow is something to look forward to.” Crawford is inclined to hold himself at fault for the inadequate manner in which he played in the first two sets of the doubles, but he complained of bad cramp in the left leg which came on suddenly in the tenth game, shortly after his fall. Both players were troubled by the calling of foot-faults. Quist was particularly troubled. He was unable to understand why footfaults had not been called in yesterday’s match. lie was certain that both his feet had been behind the line and one foot on the ground. Sports commentators declared It is unfortunate that foot-faults were called on the visiting players, always apparently at crucial stages of a match. One linesman who called faults said. “The rule is so clear that there cannot be any misunderstanding about It. Violation of the rule may be unconscious, but to one watching to see that the rule is not violated it is Immediately apparent when a violation has occurred.” Comments on Foot-faulting. In an interview with the Australian Associated Press agency regarding the foot-faulting of Quist, the Australian manager, Mr. C. A. Sproule, said, “For the life of tne I cannot understand their foot-fault rule. It might have cost us the match. If a man foot-faults six times during a match according to the interpretation of the judge then it is likely that he foot-faulted throughout. and why weren’t they all called? "The poor kid was simply penalised unnecessarily. I cannot understand how a judge with cardboard against one eye can see the ball in play and the action of the feet at the same time. They claim that he has one foot over the line before he hits the ball, but that is not so. If the penalisation of foot-faults Is for the purpose of [ireventing an advantage in running to the net. how far advanced toward the forecourt was Quist at any time after the foot-faults were called on him?. As a matter of fact, he was so anxious to prevent the penalty that he deliberately sacrificed most of his opportunities to run up after his service. If Quist is a foot-faulter, then Mako and Allison certainly are, but we never called footfaults against Allison in Australia. The International Federation has defined a foot-fault, but its interpretation here is mysterious.” He added, however, that he wouitt not protest. . l . Asked what his feelings about tomorrow were now, Mr. Sproule sain. “Well, after this match, how would you feel?” Australians Should Win. The general feeling that has prevailed in tennis circles to-night is that only a mischance can rob the Australians of victory to-morrow. Quist’s exceptionally line play considered to have improved immeasurably his chances of accounting for Budge, .while Allison, unless he displays something of the form which was his when he defeated Perry in the United States, national singles championship in 1935, cannot prevail against Crawford. Strenuous efforts are being made to induce the Australian team to return to America for tire national singles, but Crawford Informed a correspondent that it was simply out of tlie question. 11. has both his regular work and a journalistic job to which he must return It is understood that the Australian manager. Mr. Sproule. has been non-committal concerning the remainder of the team. The question of expenses wilt probably be tlie most important aspect. french finalists Von Crarnm to Meet Perry Paris, May 31. Results in the French tennis championships are:— Men’s singles (semi-finals).— G. von Crarnm (Germany) defeated M. Bernard (France), 7-5. 61, 64; F Perry (England) defeated C. Bousstto (France), 6-4. 7-5. 5-7, 6-2. Women’s singles (semi-finals). Mme. K Mathieu (France) defeated Mrs. Hoag (Germany). 6-4. 64; Mrs. Sperling (Denmark) defeated Countess de la Faldeno, formerly Senorita D Alvarez (Spain). 6-1. 6-1.