INTERNATIONAL TENNIS

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 65, 17 March 1934, Page 10

INTERNATIONAL TENNIS

STATUS OF AMATEURS

LURE OF PROFESSIONALISM

"(Received March 17, 2 p.m.) PAEIS, March 16V The International Tennis CommitteS appointed in 1933 to revise ; the defini-, tion of amateur has reported scathingly; denouncing amateurism as at. presentpractised in the- tennis world. " Tha committee, also warns against the lur» of professionalism. The report coni-1 ments on "so-called amateurs living iat some one else's expense from January 1 to December 31, touring the world; without putting their hands- -in - their pockets." It recommends that a newclause should be introduced into rule 26 stating tHat except-when officially selected by his association a player shall receive travelling and living expenses only for eight weeks in each.: year. It is also proposed to restrict amateurs from playing 'or demonstrating the game with professionals without the. federation's permission. ' ■. •"■ • The report deplores the ever-increas-ing facilities accorded players of both sexes, and attacks their lack of candour. It: also comments on'the fantastic demands of so-called amateurs, who complain when not sent to hotels de luxe and provided with- private bathrooms and cars. It further deplores the fact that the great players are becoming professionals. ' - ; >•.

The different national federations 'aris to be allowed to study7the report;be-: ;fore a special meeting discusses if oa July 30. During the Davis Cup challenge round \English and French delegates strongly:.opposed open tournaments, but the United States delegate pleaded, that the matter be left" to the national associations to decide,-declar-ing: ""Why-^n'ot have ■ tlto: courage- of iour cpJiriQtions.T ~r J;distinctly-qfavoiu; 'open tournaments under; supervision"'* A South African proposal makes' the server keep both feet; behind the baseline. The proposal has been referred to the cpmmittee. " : ..:. ' ' • Kenya, Colombia, Peru, and Estonia were admitted to the federation.: It is suggested that a committee' of management carry on between general meetings. ■' 7 ■ ' >