Tennis Surprise

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 15 June 1935, Page 5

Tennis Surprise

AUSTRALIA WELL BEATEN Von Cramm Routs Crawford GERMAN WINS STRAIGHT SETS McGrath Loses to Henkel

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright). Received 1.20 p.m. to-day. BERLIN, June 14. In the Davis Cup match, Germany v. Australia, Von Cramm defeated J. Crawford 6—3, 7—5, 6—2, and Henkel defeated V. McGrath 4—(5, 6—2, 6 —o, 6—2.

The weather was fine and there was a capacity attendance. Von Cramm did most of the attacking in the first set, his powerful kicking service and strong driving keeping Crawford on the defensive. Von Cramm easily took the set. Crawford’s movements were slow and his shots repeatedly missed the lines or hit the top of the net. Von Cramm treated Crawford’s short lobs harshly and won the second set without trouble. Crawford’s form was deplorable. Crawford was forced out of position by Von Gramm’s service and was also caught on the wrong foot by tin, German’s drives. Yon Cramm, never relaxing, drove home his advantage with more splendid driving, completing Crawford’s utter rout.

McGrath started confidently against Henkel, leading 4—o and s—l. Henkel then took three- games in succession, when McGrath struck an erratic patch, but the Australian saved the set. Henkel caused a surprise when he captured the second set by safe, steady play. McGrath’s game at this stage was a mixture of very good and very bad shots. Henkel, thriving on success, hit much harder and! took the set with tho utmost ease. McGrath’s attacking moed with which he began the match seemed to have vanished and he now played with extreme caution. Henkel led 4—o in the fourth set. McGrath was unable to withstand Henkel’s increasingly service andl accurate passing shots. McGrath staved off two match points before los--111 The result was a great shock to the Australians.

LACOSTE’S EXPERIMENT SKILL RATHER THAN ENDURANCE (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) Received 1.20 p.m. to-day. PARIS, June 14. Rene Lacoste is leading a movement for some reform in tennis to make skill a decisive factor rather than a physical endurance test. He thinks the use of tyalls with ’less bounce would bring amelioration. He is now experimenting to test effects to lower the rebound.