FUTURE OF SUZANNE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19403, 11 August 1926, Page 11

FUTURE OF SUZANNE.

THE PROFESSIONAL STATUS. | A FLOOD OF CRITICISM. LONDON. Aug. 4. Mile. Suzanne Lenglen, the famous French tennis player, in a letter to Lady Wavertree, her closest friend, says she intends immediately to start training in Switzerland.. A very heated controversy continues. Mr. S. N. Doust says the concensus of opinion is that Mile. Lenglen has done the right thing in declaring for professionalism, and that all others, deep down, are envious of her opportunity. Lavis Sattertlnvaite says: "It is wonderful that Mile. Longlen's ability should produce sucfc an offer." Lady Wavertree admires her tlecision, and Mrs. Beamish thinks tho tour will do good to the women players of America. On the contrary, Commander Hillyard, chairman of committees of the All England Tennis Association, tersely remarks: " Suzanne's only mfstake is that she did not become a professional six months ago." Mrs. H. Roper Barrett says "the amateur tennis world is well rid of her." French opinion almost generally disapproves of Suzanne's action. A message from New York states that, universal regret is expressed at Mile. Lenglen's professionalism, Miss Helen Wills is disappointed that it will be impossible for her to play Suzanne again. Exhibition play with her will bo out of the question Mrs. Mallory says she has no intention to play exhibitions with professionals, and tho Misses Goss, Elizabeth Ryan and Florence Ballin agreed that it was a silly, financial adventure. i William Tilden denies any intention of following the lead of Mile. Lenglen. " I believe Mile. Lenglen realises that her temperament is unfitted for her to continue in the amateur ranks, and that was the reason for her withdrawal at Wimbledon," said Tilden. The chairman of tho Longwood Club, Boston, owns one of the three covered courts which Mile. Lenglen proposes using. He is emphatic in saying that he will not allow its use. " Tho spirit of amateurism in American tennis is rather unique," he says, and is the only thing that saves the game."