DAVES GUP TENNIS

Evening Star, Issue 22351, 29 May 1936, Page 10

DAVES GUP TENNIS

AUSTRALIA'S PROSPECTS THE MATCH AGAINST AMERICA Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright PHILADELPHIA, Alay 28. (Received Alay 29. at 10 a.m.) In an interview, Air Sproule, manager of the Australian team, discussed the condition of the team and the prospects of its success in the matches m the coming w r eek-end. He dismissed the injury to M’Grath’s hand as not of any genuine importance, and at present was quite healed. On the occasion of the last visit to Philadelphia Crawford had been adversely affected by the tremendous heat, which, with an attack of asthma, proved extremely enervating, being responsible for his inadequate showing in matches. Air Sproule said Crawford was completely < free of any signs of asthma. He was in splendid health, and had acclimatised himself exceptionally well.. “ As a matter of fact, the entire team has conditioned very satisfactorily,” said Mr Sproule. “ They are unquestionably at the top of their form, and the long period of training at Philadelphia, I feel, has been of the greatest value.”

Asked to explain whether there was any special theory behind the employment of Richards as playing coach, he said: “It is only for the purpose of introducing a little variety. It in no way reflected that we were not satisfied with the manner in which our team was shaping. It just gave them a little change in the kind of competition they will be getting, and toned them up a little.”

Mr Sproule sent the following message:—“ You may say the team is ready. They arc keen for matches. Everything gives ns confidence that we shall give a good account of ourselves.”

The team will rest a few days after the final, then proceed to New York, whence they sail on Juno 5. He indicated that whether they would return to the United States for the national singles depended upon the outcome of the week-end matches.