VISIT OF HENRI COCHET

Evening Star, Issue 22272, 25 February 1936, Page 13

VISIT OF HENRI COCHET

FAMOUS DAViS GUP PLAYER From time to time, though at rather extended intervals, leading lawn tennis players have been seen in Dunedin, hut it is probable that no _ greater player has ever visited this city than Henri Cochet, who, in association with three leading Australian professionals, will make an appearance at Logan Park on Thursday of this week. The occasion is being eagerly looked forward to, so much so that interest has already been stimulated to an unusual degree, and the attendance at the exhibition matches gives promise of being a record in the local history of the game. Cochet is one of the most picturesque figures who ever walked on a court. He achieved his greatest prominence as one of the “ three musketeers ” who helped to win the Davis Cup for Franco in 1927. and thus broke a run of seven consecutive successes by the United States. He has won the singles championship at Wimbledon and the American and French titles, and his record in the Davis Cup competition has seldom been equalled. On 11 occasions his name has appeared in the list of the “ world’s first 10,” including a run of firsts from 1928 to 1931._ Since his arrival in the Dominion his play has been greatly admired, and the following tribute to his skill is from the pen of a well-known northern critic:— “ Although rather diminutive in_ stature, Cochet is certainly a dominant figure on the court. He plays an entertaining game, and, like all the modern French players, has learnt to take the ball very quickly and high on the bounce. In consequence many of his ground shots appear almost miraculous to the uninitiated spectator. His game shows no particular preference tor any special stroke. He does not produce any wonderful twist service or a terrific forehand drive. . His particular brilliance lies in his wonderful volleying and in his uncanny powers of anticipation. He can never be caught guessing, as he is always on the attack. Such is the ease with which he plays his shots that one is apt to underrate him unless his great delicacy of touch is observed. - ” His three Australian ' team mates—J. and A. Willard and L. E. Bakerare all players of high rank. It is reported that J. Willard’s game has recently undergone a marked improvement, and that this hard fighter proves an excellent opponent for Cochet, to whose influence his improvement is doubtless attributable. In order that latecomers may not miss the star attraction, the singles contest between Cochet and J. Willard has" been timed for approximately 3.15 p.m. Baker and A. Willard will open at 2.30 p.m., and the concluding event will be a doubles contest in which all four will take part. The box plan is at the Otago Sports Depot,