DAVIS CUP

Evening Star, Issue 19044, 12 September 1925, Page 6

DAVIS CUP

AMERICA V. FRANCE WINS FOR TILDEN AND JOHNSTON THE PLAY DESCRIBED. Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. NEW YORK, September 10. The opening matches in the challenge round ot the Davis Cup competition resulted ns follows; W. T. Tilclen (America) defeated J. Borotra (France), <l-6, 6-0, 2-6, 9-7, 6-4. W. M. Johnston defeated R. Lacoste, 6-1, C-L 6-S, C-3. Til den defeated Borotra in one of the most sensational battles in Davis Cup history. The champion was forced to the limit, and lie only succeeded through In’s superior generalship. Tho ‘‘ Bounding Basque,” liis martial spirit undaunted, succumbed to weariness after racing from side to side of the court. Ti I don took off his shoes to .vvoid slipping on the since.ii c- tss, while Borotra on one occasion fell on his knees exhausted, striking futilely at the ball. Both players appeared tired out in the fourth and fifth sets, but Borotra, rising to superior heights oven when on tho verge of collapse, battled on and brought off the most dazzling shots in an effort to check Tiiden’s smashing attack. In the end Tiiden’s reserve of strength and his steadiness at crucial moments gave him the victory, although it was one of tho closest calls he has ever bad. Borotra’s net play was his greatest asset. Time alter time lie cut off Tiiden’s drives at the net_or returned foe placements strokes which_ seemed certain points for tho American. ■J’jiq match lasted for nearly three hours. Tho conditions were very strenuous, tho exceptional heat being against a good display. Borotra in the fifth set showed signs of collapse, and Tilden was also exhausted. Tho tennis, as a result, became poor. Tildon won two love games in succession, and it appeared that Borotra would liardly be able to see tho match through owing in hia exhaustion. The Frenchman was so spent that lie served two double faults, which, with other errors, assisted Tilden. Tho gallery thought ho would have to default, but lie fought tho games t 0.2 all. Ho had lost all pace, and was too fatigued to cover the court, but ho held on doggedly to 3 all. Tilden was then > also almost spent. Borotra won tho eighth game, but this was his final effort. Lacoste, in Tiis .match with Johnston, was constantly out-driven in a baseline duel, but he battled heroically. The Californian lilt with smashing power and beautiful precision. In tho third set tho Wimbledon winner pulled himself together, breaking through Johnston's service to win tho set, bpt ho was unable to maintain the pace in tho final set, . , , , , . Johnston, showing real championship tennis, rushed through Lacoste, the American losingonly one game—off his own service. lie took the first set 6-1, and in the second set his fast attack still baffled the Frenchman, who was unable to control his returns. Johnston won 6-1. In the third set Laooste improved, and reached tho lead, 4-2, when Johnston rallied and the game alternated with the service from 4 all until Lacoste broke through Johnston’s service in the thirteenth, and made his own in the fourteenth, winning the set 8-6. In the fourth set both played evenly until Johnston resumed hxs former stride, winning 6-3. The light was fading in the final set. Johnston proved more consistent, winnine- with his hotter length. Lacoste was°at his best in the third set,, which he won by out-driving his opponent.— Reuter.