THE DAVIS CUP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21250, 2 August 1932, Page 8

THE DAVIS CUP

The Davis Cup, symbol of international supremacy at lawn tennis, remains with France for another year. Contrary to most expectations the holders have proved too strong for the challengers from the United States. The American team began what many expected to prove a triumphal progress to success in the final contest by disposing decisively of the Australian team before invading Europe. There were other rounds prior to the American entry into the European zone, but that with Australia was the most conspicuous. In Europe, Germany, by disposing of Britain and Italy, qualified to dispute with the United States the right to challenge France for possession of the trophy. The Americans won decisively. This fact, coupled with the brilliant success gained at Wimbledon by Vines, the leading American player, suggested that this year's bid for the Cup would bo exceptionally aggressive, and was likely to succeed. Vines, in fact, was proclaimed the greatest tennis player of history after his Wimbledon triumph. Yet the United States team has been beaten, and chiefly through the agency of a player who had not expected to help defend tho Cup. When, owing to the illness of Lacostc, Jean Borotra, the dynamic Basque, was called upon to join the French team, he did so doubtfully, suggesting that a younger man should replace Lacoste. Yet he is the player who turned the scales for France, beating both Vines and Allison, and thus causing the issue to be settled without the doubles counting. His win against Vines was clear cut, but it is unfortunate that a disputed ruling at a critical moment should have characterised his match with Allison. None the less, Borotra's performance has been the feature of the year's contest. Striking personalities seem to flourish in international tennis. Borotra, by his exuberance and untiring energy, was among the most striking in his heyday. His return to form and his demonstration that youth does not always triumph in lawn tennis have crowned his career, as well as having enabled France to retain the Davis Cup.