LAWN TENNIS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 4 August 1926, Page 5

LAWN TENNIS

MDLLE. LENGLEN AS A PROFESSIONAL

(By Eloctric Telograph.-Copyright.) (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.)

LONDON, August 3.

Sporting critics regard Mdlle. Lengle'n's decision to become a professional as a bombshell which may have a far reaching effect upon tennis. It is com ceded that Mdlle. 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 fees alone is considerable. Tile change will prevent her competing at the Riviera and Wimbledon tournaments and may even affect exhibition play. The Daily Chronicle, after discussing the matter' with leading English amateurs now playing at Eastbourne, says there is no general move towards professionalism, and players are unable to say what may happen if promoters organise exhibition tournaments. Thus South African and Australian tours might tempt amateurs.

CONTRACT FOR EXHIBITION MATCHES

PARIS, Aug. 2.

Mdlle. Lenglen, with her parents' consent, lias signed a contract with the American Charles Pylo 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 the first exhibition on 10th October. Her mother and a maid will accompany her. Mr Pyle states that Mdlle. Lenglen will meet some of the best American amateurs. Later he hopes to take Mdlle. Lenglen on an extended tour of the world.

MDLLE. LENGLEN INTERVIEWED

(Rec. August 4, 1.30 p.m.)

PAULS, August .1. "I tasted in advance the terrible bitterness of having once been a great champion and then falling into oblivion." Raid Mdlle. Lenglen in an interview. "I had the unparalleled experience of never being beaten as an amateur, but considering the future I foresaw the fate awaiting me. It was not a pleasant prospect, ilie gradual diminishing of my skill and only memories remaining. I though I had done a great, deal for sport, and .1 now think sport should do something for me. Everybody wants to make nionev out of tennis. 1 think I should have my chance. .1 had many offers to make money by underhand means, but loathe that. I like to do it openly." Asked who would be her partners and opponents during the tour Mdl'e. Lenglen said: "I believe I will be able to persuade the best amateurs of America to play me even at the rNk of excommunication from the Tennis Association. I do not regret leaving the amateurs, but .1 hope the regulations will soon be changed permitting another chance of meeting Miss Wills, though I hardly suppose it likely. I will never become a club professional, which is overmuch like, hard work, whereas I am doing this for fun."