LAWN TENNIS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 10 August 1928, Page 5

LAWN TENNIS

AMATEUR OR PROFESSIONAL? TILDEN'S POSITION Onited Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Oopyright. • ■« Australian Press Association < , v . NEW YORK, Bth August., The return of the defeated American Davis Cup team to-day," brought actively to American attention two facts, namely that an important decision must shortly be achieved, concerning Tilden's position, and that ; something in the nature of a revolution in American tennis is impending. " ''..■ - The United States Lawn Tennis Association's executive will.render a decision as to Tilden's amateur standing on 24th August, and it is.surmised that he will be declared a professional, despite the. fact that it is. understood Tilden's "defence will be thA he. in no way violated the player-writer rule by !:'covering" Wimbledon in a news sense, but .actually only commented thereon. *The position is complicated by the fact that Tilden is still the greatest drawing card with the public, and his disqualification would seriously 1 minimise the popular interest in the forthcoming national singles and doubles. ' - Gate receipts in American tennis have unquestionably assumed such vast importance that, they frantly overshadow the: ostensible amateur character of this sport. - j New York, Philadelphia and Boston clubs have erected monster plants at great cost, and these 'institutions face financial peril from anything that will reduce the number of spectators at important matches. i It is learned on excellent authority that important tennis _ interests are so worried over the situation, including the probability that Tilden, always a stormy petrel of American tennis, would be disqualified, that it was seriously ' considered that if the latter is declared a professional,* to permit him use of the west side of the stadium and other important stadia for open championships, and if possible to arrange a' series of matches between professionals and amateurs immediately after the national singles on 15th September to recoup the financial losses. • ..,.' It is understood that Vincent Richards has been consulted, and it is. believed that he- would be ready, if Tilden joined him, to bring over certain wellknown European professionals for these Tilden, however, to-day declared that he would not play professional tennis, even if declared a professional. Open championships would undoubtedly completely change the character, of American tennis, with unforseeable con-! sequences. '" • ' LACOSTE NOT TO DEFEND TITLE. PARIS,' Bth August. Lacoste has definitely decided not to defend the American singles championship title. . ." ':: . .' COCHET FOR, AUSTRALIA '. INVITATION ACCEPTED ;.. PARIS, 9th August. ■'; Cochet has accepted the Australian Tennis Federation's, invitation to'Australia in 1928. lie Will'probably be'accompanied by one or two. young players chosen by the French* Federation. He will bo returning to India via Egypt. •'