PROFESSIONALISM IN LAWN TENNIS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 17 January 1928, Page 5

PROFESSIONALISM IN LAWN TENNIS

' A FAILURE (From Oar Own Correspondent.) ; LONDON, Bth December. Professionalism in lawn tennis, so far as the player who wishes to star in exhibition games on thei court is concerned, has been a complete failure. Suzanne Lenglen and her troupe, as they were called, explored America with disappointing results, and when the French lady came to this country last summer things were even worse. Even in Scotland, wliero she had riot played before, she failed to attract anything like, the galleries expected. One of the players who went over to professionalism with Suzanne- was Paul' Feret, the Frenchman, and, having a very full appreciation of the position, he has made, the amazing proposal that he should be taken back into the amateuf fold. Indeed, he formally applied to the French Association to'be given back, his status. lb was.an ingenuous move, and there was probably a good deal more behind it than appeared on the surface. Indeed, it was said that Feret was merely flying a kite for Suzanne. That is to say, if ha were allowed to play as amateur again, Suzanne would apply to be similarly treater. The latter has denied the suggestion and asserts that she is quite satisfied with her position. At Jhe same time, it is significant that the English authorities were quietly sounded as to what view they took of Feret's applica-. tion. Needless to say, they declared that it was impossible to take the player back. But the matter was brought before the. French Association, and it was very closely considered. Finally, it was decided that Feret must remain outside the amateur ranks. So far as this country is concerned, it can safely be said that a player who once takes money out of the game will be banished for ever as an amateur.