DAVIS CUP TEAM

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 152, 29 May 1936, Page 9

DAVIS CUP TEAM

AUSTRALIANS CONFIDENT. IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. CRAWFORD FIT. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received Alav 29, 9.20 a.m. PHILADELPHIA, Alay 28. In an interview, Sproule, the manager of the Australian Davis Cup team, discussed the condition or the team and the prospects for its success in the matches at the coming week-end. He dismissed the injury to McGrath’s hand as not of any genuine importance, and said it was at present quite healed. On the occasion of his last visit to Philadelphia Crawford had been adversely affected by the tremendous heat which, with an attack of asthma, had proved extremely enervating, being responsible for his inadequate snowing in the matches. Sproule said Crawford was completely free of any signs of asthma. He was in splendid health, and had acclimatised himself exceptionally well. “As a matter of fact, the entire team have conditioned very satisfactorily. They are unquestionably in top form. Tlie long period of training at Philadelphia, 1 feel, has been of the greatest value,” lie declared. Asked to explain whether there was any special theory behind the employment of Vincent Richards as playing coach, lie said, “It was only lor the purpose of introducing a little variety. It in no way reflected that we were not satisfied with the manner in which our team were shaping. It just gave them a little change in the kind of competition they were getting, and toned them up a little.” Sproule sent the following message: “You may say the team are ready. They are keen for the matches. Everything gives us confidence that we will give a good account of ourselves.” The team will, rest for a few days after the filial and will then proceed to New York, whence they will sail on June 5. Sproule indicated that whether they will return to the United States for tlie national singles will depend upon the outcome ot the weekend matches. DOUBLES DISPLAY. BY AUSTRALIAN TEAAI. PHILADELPHIA, Alay 27. Vincent Richards, the American tennis coach, to-day practised with the Australians. He teamed with McGrath against Crawford and Quist. Play was sharp all round and observers expressed the opinion that the Australian pair would be dangerous against any doubles combination in international tennis. Both tlie American and Australian teams used the centre courts at the Germantown Cricket Club, where the cup matches will be played.