SUZANNE LENGLEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19397, 4 August 1926, Page 11

SUZANNE LENGLEN.

AMATEUR NO LONGER. CONTRACT AS A PROFESSIONAL. •Y) • • A. and N.Z. v LONDON, Aug. 3. A message from Paris says it is officially announced that the French tennis champion, Mdlle. Suzanne Lenglen, has become a professional and has signed a contract to play a series of matches in America. Sporting critics regard Mdlle. Lenglen's decision as a bombshell, which may have a far-reaching effect upon tennis. It is conceded that Mdlle. Lenglen has no particular financial reason for discarding her amateur status, as she earns a large income through films and the writing of books and newspaper articles. Her in-' come from photographic fees alone is considerable. The change in her status will prevent her from competing in the tournaments on the Riviera and at Wimbledon. It may even affect her exhibition play. The Daily Chronicle, after" having discussed the matter with leading English amateurs who are now playing at Eastbourne, says there is no general move toward professionalism, but the. players cannot say what may happen if the promoters organise exhibition touring tournaments. For example, South African and Australian tours might tempt some amateurs. DETAILS OF AGREEMENT. REMUNERATION OF £22,000. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 8.5 p.m.) PARIS, Aug. 2. Mdlle. Lenglen, with the consent of her parents, has signed a contract with an American, Charles Pyle, to play exhibition matches, indoors and outdoors, in the United States, Canada, Cuba and Mexico over a period of four months. It is understood that she is to receive £22,000, plus an interest in the film rights. Mdlle. Lenglen will give her first exhibition on October 10. Her mother ai.'d her maid will accompany her. Mj:. Pyle says Mdlle. Lenglen will meet some of the best American amateurs. Later he hopes to take her on an extour of tha world.