OPEN TENNIS

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 288, 5 December 1936, Page 10

OPEN TENNIS

TOURNAMENTS OF FUTURE VIEWS OF ADRIAN QUIST AMATEURS AND PROFESSIONALS Tennis is in a state of transition, according to Adrian Quist, in an interview, on his return to Adelaide. Open tournaments, in which professionals will play against amateurs, are bound to' come within a few years in all parts of the world. The game has made great headway, and people wishing to see the world’s best pla>ers will pay willingly. “Professionals in America,” says Quist, “have made good money. The first venture by Tilden, it was forecast, would be a flop; actually it was a great success, and the men who got in on the ground floor made a pile of money.

“It was predicted also that when the novelty had worn off theie would be a falling away in attendances at professional matches. That has been partially true, but Tilden and Vines are alive. They know that to retain interest they must y introduce new blood.

“England without Perry will be hard pressed to retain the Davis Cup. Australia’s chances next year should be rosy, as with the retention of form by Jack Crawford and the return to form of Vivian McGrath—which, by the way, was one of the most pleasing features of our play in Europe we should have a very strong team.

“Vivian did not have another strenuous season of tennis, and the consequence was that just before he left England he was playing in championship form. That light treatment is certain to have a beneficial effect on his game, and I am looking forward to seeing him back at his top this season. “To return to the transition of tennis. If Perry had declined the latest American offer, who would be the player Vines was seeking? Von Cramm, ranked second to Perry, would be the next in line, but I doubt whether he would give the inatter serious thought. I am convinced that it would have to be an extraordinary offer to induce him to foresake the amateur ranks.

“Donald Budge is next in line. On my return from our last overseas visit I told friends of the wonderful prospects of Budge. What he did during last summer verified my prediction and he will improve. He is only 21 and his whole tennis life is before him.

“If Perry had not signed up, I am certain that feelers would have gone to Budge. Whether he would consider such an offer only he can tell. American tennis officials, however, will work to retain him, for they know that he is the strongest Davis Cup hope in sight. “The troupe must have new blood, however, and they will continue to appraise the drawing capacity of amateurs. There is Bunny Austin, but I do not think the professional game would appeal to him. “Since my return I have been asked on several occasions whether I would turn professional if an offer were made. To tell the truth, I have not given the matter serious thought. Naturally, the thought has passed through my mind whether the pro. game would suit me. While the money is good and the prospects excellent, pro. tennis has a lot of drawbacks.

“My thoughts on the question have been just passing flights of fancy. Of one thing I am convinced and that is it w'ould be time to consider joining the professionals only after I have improved (if I can improve) my position in the world’s ranking list. Most of those who have ranked players have placed me fourth, and three men ranked above me proved my superiors last season—Perry, Von Cramm, and Budge. “Perry is champion—a real champion, as would be expected of the man Tilden and Vines went after.

“What we in Australia must adjust our minds to is the fact that the professional game is here to stay, and the open tournaments are in the offing.”