"WIMBLEDON NERVES” CONTRIBUTE TO McKENZIE AND ROBSON’S DEFEAT

Evening Star, Issue 26137, 26 June 1947, Page 8

"WIMBLEDON NERVES” CONTRIBUTE TO McKENZIE AND ROBSON’S DEFEAT

(N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent.) (Rec. 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, June 25. “Wimbledon nerves" played a large part in the defeat of McKenzie and Robson by Australia’s second doubles string, Brown and Long. Making their'first appearance on enclosed No. I—immediately next door to the centre court —it appeared that they were somewhat overawed by the occasion. McKenzie was the first to find his form towards the end of the second set, and this helped Robson to play with more steadiness. The result was that the third set produced the best tennis of the match. Indeed, with a 3-love lead, it looked as though the New Zealanders might take the set. McKenzie, however, served two double faults and lost his service after leading 40-15 and virtually threw the set away. From the start to the finish the Australians played with more fire, and energy, smashing and driving with a speed that often left the New Zealanders rooted. They had ' more shots, more experience, and were supremely confident. The first set was frankly disastrous for McKenzie and Robson. Nerves were obviously affecting Robson, for he lost his service and first game to love. BROWN’S ABILITY AS SERVER. Brown showed his ability as a server in the second game by aceing both New Zealanders to-take a couple of points. McKenzie foot-faulted thrice m iris first service, but nevertheless managed to win the game. The Australians took the next three games to love, Brown once again lacing Robson. It looked as though McKenzie might take the second game when he. led 40-15 on his service, but he doubletfaulted and presented the Australians with the set. In the second set (Brown and Long shot ahead to three love, and then McKenzie suddenly seemed to wake up. Taking the cue from the Australians, he began to hit as if he meant it. He was : iso serving harder, and this time he took game with.no faults or foot-faults. Robson also began to show "what he could do, too, if he tried, and though the Australians ran out with the set they were riieeting more opposition. So the third set began i.ot very cheerfully, but at least more hopefully for the New Zealanders. ENCOURAGEMENT FROM SPECTATORS. Sensing that both boys needed encouragement, and with traditional English sympathy for the losing side, the crowd began to applaud McKenzie and Robson rather partially. Both started to bang away with some fervour. McKenzie won his service, and rihougk Brown was leading 40-15 the New Zealanders levelled and smiled at each other thankfully when Brown gave them game on a double fault. (Robson now won his first and only service .of the match after three deuces, the Australians twice having the advantage, and when the electric scoreboard clicked the New Zealanders’ lead.of three,Jove .here was some vigorous" handmapping. Long' took his service, completing the .game jvithi a terrific smash right across the court. Then it was that McKenzie lost a valuable ganm with a couple of double faults. The Australians took the next two games and it seemed ail ever. It was, but not quite. Long was dropping his service at 30-40. • Brown smashed to level up and then ißobson had a volleying dud with Long, eventually placing a ball at such an angle that the Australian could only wave his hands and shout; “Good shot." There was some further excitement as both McKenzie and Brown lost their services and the scores went to five all, McKenzie lobbing skilfully and Brown missing his shots. But the New _ Zealanders had shot their bolt and in the last two games they could not take a point. This match shows once again what has become very apparent at Wimbledon—that the New Zealanders are weak on their service and need to put a lot more energy into their play. There was only occasional sting in their shots. But they are learning from every match.