DAVIS CUP

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 197, 21 July 1937, Page 9

DAVIS CUP

AMERICANS BEAT GERMANS. IN INTER-ZONE FINAL. ” SINGLES MATCHES HALVED. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received July 21, 10.35 a.m. LONDON, July 20. America beat Germany in the interzone final for the Davis Clip, tliu.s gaining the right to play Britain in the challenge round. The singles matches to-day resulted in H. Henkel (Germany) beating Grant and J. D. Budge (U.S.A.) beating G. von Gramm. The first series of singles matches were also halved and the Americans won the doubles, thus annexing three matches to Germany’s two. Grant in tlio onrly stages was unable to withstand Henkel’s vigorous driving service and was behind 1; —5. However, lie rallied and exploited cut shots and evened the score to 5—5. Henkel won the set 7—5. Henkel was badly out of touch in the second set, which-Grant won comfortably. The German, aided by several untakeable services, better judgment and by storming the net, capthe third set. The fourth was a dour fight, the games going with the service to 4— 4, when Grant lost his service and Henkel won the match after four match points. Budge and von Crnmm, who were playing tile deciding match, started at top speed, both exhibiting magnificent strokes and fine court craft. Both held their services to 4—4; then each lost his service at 5—5. Von Gramm broke through Budge’s service to win the first set B—6. Von Cramin, continuing to play Budget with his own weapon, speed, had the American worried and again broke his service to take the second set.

The pace slackened in the third set, but Budge, employing cannonballs, captured the set. Budge recommenced after the interval at a terrific pace and was dominant throughout the fourth set. Von Gramm, in a final desperate effort, brought .off amazing services, retrieving passing shots, and led 4_i. Amid intense excitement, Budge, renewing the pressure, evened at 4 —4. Von Gramm went ahead to 5—4 and, after three deuces, also led G—s, after which Budge, summoning all lus reserve, won one of the finest matches seen at Wimbledon after six deuces and five match points in the fourteenth game. Details :

J. D. Budge (U.S.A.) heat G. von Cramm, 6 —B, 5—7, 6—4, 6—2, 8—» . H. Henkel (Germany) bent B. M. Grant (complete scores not cabled).