TILDEN'S AMATEUR STATUS

Evening Star, Issue 19941, 10 August 1928, Page 2

TILDEN'S AMATEUR STATUS

A COMPLICATED POSITION Press Association-—By Telegraph—Copyright. NEW YORK, August 8. The return of the defeated American Davis Cup team to-day brought actively to American attention two facts —namely, that an important decision must shortly be reached concerning Tilden’s position, and something in the nature of a revolution in ■ American tennis is impending. The United States Lawn Tennis Association’s Executive will give a decision as to Tilden’s amateur standing on August 24, and it is surmised that he will be declared a professional, despite the fact that it is understood that Tilden’s defence will bo that he in no way violated the player-writer rule by “covering” Wimbledon in a news p- ut actually only commented thereon position is complicated by the fact that Tildon is still the greatest drawing car'd with the public, and his disqualification would _ seriously minimise popular interest in the forthcoming national singles and doubles. The gate receipts in American tennis have unquestionably assumed such vast importance that they frankly overshadow the ostensible amateur character of this sport. New York, Philadelphia, and Boston clubs have erected monster plants at a great cost, and these institutions face financial peril from anything that will reduce the number of spectators at important matches. It is learned on excellent authority that important tennis interests are so worried over the situation, including the probability that Tilden, always the stormy petrel of American tennis, will be disqualified, that it is seriously considered that it the latter is declared a professional permission will bo given to use West Side Stadium and other important stadia for open championships and a series of matches between professionals and amateurs immediately after the national singles on September 15 to recoup the financial losses. It is understood that Vincent Richards has been consulted, and it is believed that he would be ready, if Tilden joined him, to bring over certain well-known European professionals for these matches.. Tildon, however, to-day declared that he would not play professional tennis, even if he were declared a professional. Open championships would undoubtedly completely change the character of American tennis, with unforeseeable consequences.—Australian Press Association.