TENNIS CHAMPIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19871, 15 February 1928, Page 12

TENNIS CHAMPIONS.

FRENCHMEN IN AUSTRALIA. GREAT INTEREST AROUSED^ Tremendous interest was taken by Australians in the visit of the French tennis team, according to Mr. H. G. Thomson, vice-president of the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association, who returned by the Maunganui yesterday after a visit to Australia. Mr. Thomson said great crowds witnessed every public appearance of the Frenchmen. Many of the Btands were built to accommodate at least 8000 persons, and the stands were nearly always filled to capacity. The default of the exAustralian Davis Cup representative, Patterson, was a great disappointment, as a match between that player and Borotra was eagerly anticipated. "I went from "Wellington to Sydney on the same boat as the French players, and they were liked by everyone," Mr. Thomson stated. "Borotra's personality is remarkable, and he was idolised by the Australians." The best match Mr. Thomson saw was that between the young Australian Crawford and Borotra in the Australian championships, Borotra winning after the match had run to five sets. Crawford played almost throughout from the back line; while Borotra volleyed from the net. Some of the visitor's recoveries were brilliant. "I am convinced that a team of New Zealand's best tennis' players would give a representative! Australian team a very good battle," said Mr. Thomson. "Tennis in New Zealand is on a higher plane than most people seem to realise. If we could get our best team away I feel sure they would give a very good account of themselves." The visit- ot the French players to New Zealand and Australia would, no doubt, improve the standard of the game in these countries and create greater interest. Australia had had a dearth of good playtrs for sorae yeara, but there appeared to be much promising material among the younger mon. In his opinion, Australia will nave great difficulty in reaching the final stages of the next Davis Cup contest unless some of the younger men chow particular brilliance.