DAVIS CUP FINAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 29 July 1933, Page 7

DAVIS CUP FINAL

BRITAIN V. FRANCE THE OPENING SINGLES BRITISH PLAYERS WIN (United Press Association—By- Electrio Telegraph—Copyright} -■ ; •' (Received 29th Juljv 8.45 a.m.) - 'PARIS* 28th July. In the Davis Cup challenge round between France and Britain, • Austin (Britain) defeated Merlin 6-3, 6-4, 6-0; PeiTv (Britain) defeated Cocliet 8-10, 6-4, ‘B-6, 3-6, 6-1./ '/' \' '/ /. '"■ ; The weather was exceedingly-hot when Austin and Merlin, both in white shorts, in the presence of an enormous Crowd, appeared on the court./ The Frenchman, delighted the crowd by winning the game to love, but Austin, serving cleanly, and driving accurately down both side lines deep into the corners, compelling Merlin, to run- vigorously, reached a 4-1 lead, and,showing generally superior tennis; won' the set with 28 winners to Merlin’s 19. Austin gave Merlin few chances in the second set. The Frenchman tried .coining ..to the net, but when circumvented- Jjy means of passing shots be returned to the base line. Austin .led 4-0, ai.id. then bad a- bad patch,-volleying weakly, serving doubles, •: netting • unci. ove.r-flri,ving, scoring only four points ill four-games, enabling AierJih td .-draw.- iev-ek" Austin, unperturbed by tile French enthusiasm, regained control, frequently;:; catphing Merlin yards out: of position, and: passing him won the set .brilliantly. Austin was irresistible 1 in the thir'd set, producing strokes .with fine precision,: scoring . 'by means of: drives across the- court-,/ keeping the. rallies going, and allowing, Merlin, who was erratic, to present him with points. The fourth, game went do seven deuces, hut thereafter Merlin 'went ,tp pieces, and Austin -ran-.outT an easy,, winner. .■ tlt;