MLLE LENGLEN

Evening Star, Issue 19319, 4 August 1926, Page 8

MLLE LENGLEN

CHANGE TO PROFESSIONALISM “DOING IT FOR MONET.” Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. PARIS, August 3. (Received August 4, at 1.30 p.m.) “ I tasted in advance the terrible bitterness of having once been a great champion and then falling into oblivion,” said Mile Lenglen in an interview. “ I had the unparalleled experience of never being beaten as an amateur, but, considering the future, I foresaw that fate was awaiting’me. It was not a pleasing prospect—the gradual diminishing of my skill and only memories remaining. I thought I had done a great deal for sport, and now think that sport should do something for mo. Everybody wants to make money out of tenuis. I think I should have my chance. I had many offers to make money by underhand means, but I loathe that. I like to do it openly.” Asked who will be her partners and opponents during the tour, Mile Lenglen said: “ I believe I will be able to persuade the best amateurs in America to play nip, even at the risk of excommunication from the Tennis Association. Ido not regret leaving, but hope that the regulations soon will be changed, permitting me another chance of meeting Miss Helen Wills, though 1 hardly suppose it likely. I will never become - a club professional, which is overmuch like hard work, whereas I am doing this for fun.”—A. and N.Z. Cable.