AUSTRALIA'S TEAM

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 19, 22 July 1933, Page 13

AUSTRALIA'S TEAM

FULFILLED EXPECTATIONS

While Australia entertained high hopes of her tennis representatives defeating Britain's elect, opinion in England weighed against the Australians. There was littlo doubt on either side that J. Crawford would give Australia two wins in the singles, but it was problematical -whether young' McGratli could bring off a win. Some Australian critics gave him a chance of winning one match, but the general view was

that the doubles would settle the issue. Uncertainty as to who would be Australia's pair'and a last-minute change in the selection affected Australia's prospects; in fact, Crawford's withdrawal —in spite of the view in some quarters that he is not a good doubles playermade Britain's chances look really good, and this they proved to be, as shown by tho result of the contest.

Judging from the discussion on prospects, there must have been'keen disappointment in Australia at the -nows that. Crawford was, not to participate in the doubles. However, there was no great expectation that Australia would regain possession of the Davis Cup this year. "It must be remembered," said H. Hopman (former Davis Cup representative), "that the association did not send, the team away with the object of winning the cup. Tho intention was to build up a team for the future. If our players fail against Britain, the tour must still be regarded as a great success.'' Mr. H. A. Pitt, aeting-prcsi-dent of the Lawn Tennis Association of Australia, gave the Australians a chance of going still further in the present contest, but remarked that already the team had fulfilled their most sanguine expectations. Gerald Patterson, a former world champion and Australian Davis Cup captain, thought that Australia had an even chance of defeating both Britain and France, but considered that the odds would be against Australia in the inter-zone final.

On the other hand, the tennis correspondent of "The Times" (London), in discussing prospects, said: "The continual changes in tho Australians' doubles cannot have improved the pairings, and the recent successes of Hughes and Perry rank them above the Australian pairs. Turnbull probably would show up best in tho Australian doubles, and it would be a pity if he were omitted."

S. N. Doust, writing in the "Daily Mail," said: "Quist and Tnrnbull are the strongest pair. Crawford is not a good doubles player. Ho is essentially a singles man, and should beat Austin and Perry; but'l cannot see lleGrath winning cither of the singles. Therefore, the match is likely to bo decided by the doubles, in which Perry and Hughes have a big chance."

Australia has been eliminated, hut in the measure of success achieved in cup matches mid in other performances, notably Crawford's winning oi the world's singles title, the sending nt the team has reaped a handsome reward.