STARS IN TENNIS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22243, 31 January 1947, Page 2

STARS IN TENNIS

SEMI-PROFESSIONALS AUSTRALIAN OPINION (9 a.m.) SYDNEY. Jan. 31. “The Americans were willing to play exhibition matches immediately after the Davis Cup challenge round was through, and they let it be known that they wanted more than expenses,” says Mr. Harry Hopman, writing in the Sydney Sun. “They were blatant about it and the Lawn Tennis Association opened an inquiry. “Walter Pate, non-playing captain of the United States, team, was consulted and finally said: ’The boys can make their own arrangements after the Davis Cup is over.’

“Few international men or women tennis players in the world to-day are not subsidised by the sporting goods manufacturer,” says Mr. Hopman. “According to the present International Lawn Tennis Federation amateur rule, they are semi-professionals. Almost all our Davis Cup men in the past 15 years have received their normal salary during their absence on tours. Few tennis nations allow their players this latitude and the association of player with manufacturer or agent in most other countries is ‘under the lap.’

“Our American visitors showed little respect for the amateur rule. Trade interest in Australian tennis is considerable, because it controls the leading players, but the trade has always been willing to work in with the various controlling bodies.’’