Tennis Sensation

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 194, 4 August 1926, Page 3

Tennis Sensation

SUZANNE TURN* PROFESSIONAL. TO PLAY IN AMERICA. Paris, Aug. 2. It is officially stated that Mlle. Suzanne Lenglen has become a professional. She has contracted to play a series of matches in America. —(A. and N.Z.) DECISION A BOMBSHELL. DOLLARS NOT THE DRAW. London, Aug. 3. Sporting critics regard Mlle. Lenglen's decision as a bombshell, which may have a far-reaching effect upon tennis, It is conceded that Mlle. Lenglen has no particular financial reason for throwing up her amateur status, as she has a big income through films, book-writing, and newspaper articles. Her income from photograph tees alone is considerable. The change will prevent her from competing at the Riviera and Wimbledon tournaments, and may even affect her exhibition play. The “Daily Chronicle,” after discussing the matter with leading English amateurs now playing at Eastbourne, says there is no genera) move towards professionalism, but players are unable to say what may happen if promoters organise exhibition touring tournaments. Thus South African and Australian tours might tempt some amateurs.—(A. and N.Z.) BIG CONTRACT SIGNED. Paris. Aug. 2. Mlle. Lenglen, with her parents’ consent, has signed a contract with an American, Mr Charles Pyle, to play exhibition matches, indoors and outdoors. in the United States. Canada, Cuba and Mexico for four months. It is understood she receives 110,000 dollars, plus an interest in film rights. She will give her first exhibition on October 10. Her mother and maid will accompany her. Mr Pyle states that Mlle. Lenglen will meet some of the bes_t_American amateurs. Later he hopes to take Mlle. Lenglen on an extended tour of the world. —(A. and N.Z.)