THE DAVIS CUP

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 175, 27 July 1935, Page 11

THE DAVIS CUP

INTERESTING HISTORY MEMORIES OF THE PAST. The Davis Cup, that trophy which in a comparatively short spaco of time, has become the most-sought-after emblem in the world of tennis, owes its , origin to Mr. Dwight IT. Davis, an American millionaire, who was runnerup in tho singles champion of his country in 1898 and 1899. In 19C0 he conceived the happy idea of giving a trophy for annual competition between Great Britain and America, but at the same timo teams from other countries were not precluded from taking part. The trophy itself is a large silver bowl on which the names of the winning countries and their teams are engraved. Some years ago when (here was no spaco left for further engravings, the donor kindly augmented his gift with a largo silver tray. The cup now stands on this tray, on which the more recent names will be found.

Tho contest takes place annually iu the form of au eliminating competition divided*into two zones—tho European Zone and the American Zone. The survivors of each zone play off and the winners of (his match challengo the holders who are not required to play through tho preliminary rounds. Although tho number of participating countries is always increasing, only four countries have won the trophy —United States, Great Britain, Australasia, and France. The superiority of these four countries may largely bo traced to a mere handful of players —Tilden and Johnston of America, the Dohertys and Perry of Great Britain, Brookes and Wilding of Australia, and Lacosto and docket, of France. These champions have influenced the fate of tho Davis Cup more than any of their contemporatics and there have been few challenge rounds in which one or other of them has not taken part. First British Success. When in 1909 the first British team crossed the Atlantic it did not include either of tho Dohertys, so that it was hardly t*io best available. Perhaps the idea "of testing “the pace of the wicket” was uppermost in the minds of the selectors. At any rate the team had little chance of success and so the cup stayed at home. After an interval of two years they mado their second attempt. This team, which included the Dohertys, came fairly close to success, although the younger brother did not play in the singles. In 190,1 the Dohertys again went across, and this timo they carried all before them. On the first day the elder brother was compelled to default to W r . A. Larner owing to an injured shoulder. This was the cnly match that they lost, although two of the others were exceedingly close. Ten years passed before America saw tho cup again. For three years Great Britain, thank 3 to the Dohertys, was able to present an impenetrable front. Belgium, France and Austria took part during these years. In 1905 Wilding joined Brookes and Dunlop to form Australasia’s first team. They easily disposed of Austria, but found America much too good for them in the next round. In 1900 Aus tralasia was represented by Wilding and Poidevin, tho latter recruited from tho cricket field, but again America proved the stumbling block. In 1907 Australasia was at last able to enjoy the pride of victors Brookes and Wilding played masterly tennis. America was beaten by three matches to two, and Great Britain lost the cup by a similar score. The holders were handicapped by the loss of the Doherty's, both of whom had retired. Nevertheless A. W. Gore and Roper Barrett put up a stout resistance, actually getting home in the doubles after tho colonials had had sevoral match points. Australasia reigned supreme for some years, although she camo close to defeat at tho hands of the Americans at Melbourne in 1908.

In 1911 Brookes, Dunlop and Heath defended tho trophy iu a challenge match against tho Americans, but within a year Australasia lost it to Britain, who in turu lost it to America.

Brookes and Wilding Again. In 1914 Brookes and Wilding again entered tho lists, and tho war was a fortnight old when they successfully challenged the Americans. AlcLoughlin, at tho top of his form, won both his singles. His match with Brookc3 was one of the finest that has ever been played. Tho American won in three straight sets, but iu he first of these 32 games was played before a decision was reached. R. N. Williams, tho American second string, lowered his colours to Brookes aud Wilding, and the doubles was also decided in favour of Australasia. But tho cup itself did not go t.o the Antipodes. Owing to the submarine menace it spout tho next four years iu a New York strong-room. It was with relief that thoughts returned to tennis once more in 1919. The loss of Wilding was a severe blow to Australasia. Brookes, however, had lost little of his former skill, and G. L. Patterson possessed a service that few could return. Together they were successful iu resisting tho challenge of Great Britain. In the doubles Brookes gave odo of the finest exhibitions of tennis ever seen. Although playing an aggressive game, lie made but three errors.

In 1920 Auckland saw Tilden and Johnston establish the American supremacy iu no uncertain manner, Patterson being quite unable to cope 'with Johnston’s speed, it wa3 left to Brookes to bear the brunt of tho attack. But even this wizard of the court was unable to stem the tide of defeat. When the scene shifted to America Tilden and Johnston were still invincible. For some years Australia—now parted from New Zealand—France, and Japan tried to gain the upper hand, but they were quite unable to shake the supremacy of tho holders until 1927 when, owing to the brilliance of Lacoste and Cochet, France came into tho picture.

1 Britain became triumphant in 1933 and as the result of this week’s play will meet U.S.A. in the 1935 final.