Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1937. “WAY DOWN IN TENNISEE”

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 December 1937, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1937. “WAY DOWN IN TENNISEE”

JT is to be hoped that the Anglo- ‘®‘ U.S.A, friendship will not be seriously threatened by the censure passed on Budge, by Australian Press and tennis enthusiasts, following his apathetic display in an “exhibition” match against Von Gramm. Imagine what might happen in Australia, if her own Don (Bradman) were Similarly assailed abroad should he fail to come up to the crowd’s expectations. Happily, Budge has averted what might have led to a diplomatic crisis, by expressing his regret that he did not give of his best at the Sydney match, with

promise of amendment, to-day, when he meets Crawford.

Budge’s defence that he is not a machine, and cannot always b<* at the lop of his form, was a.

necessary reminder to sports patrons. that too much is expected Irom their favourites, especially amateurs. It is true that high

prices were charged to witness the U.S.A.-German cracks’ duel,

but “exhibition” matches are not meant to be fought with the grim earnestness of a Davis Cup tie. Budge, apparently, took things rather too easily, but his poor display of tennis was no worse than the show of bad manners subsequently by some of his critics, notably the general secre-

tary of the N.S.W. Lawn Tennis Association. An apology appears to be due from others besides Budge. A more temperamental player thah Budge would have told the L.T.A. official “just where to get off,” and may have returned home, leaving his hosts lamenting. Australians may claim that a large sum of money had , to be spent to secure the attendance of the visiting tennis cracks, and that unless the gates are large, the financial loss would be serious. On the other hand, Budge might reply that he did not take the initiative in arranging the visit, that Australia was more eager to have him than he to come, and that he has had so much strenuous tennis, it is unreasonable to expect him always to be at top. There are signs already that Budge is feeling the physical effect of continuous tournament play, and he must be tempted to act occasionally on the principle that he also serves who only stands and waits. Moreover, he may be induced to listen to the wiles of professional promoters, eager, for him to sign on the dotted line, if amateur tennis organisations act arbitrarily, or regard him simply as a moneymaker for them. Budge may decide that if money-making is to be the main consideration of his appearances on courts, he may as well be a principal, as an accessory, and get a greater share of the harvest.