CHAMPION BEATEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21411, 8 February 1933, Page 13

CHAMPION BEATEN

AMERICAN TENNIS STAR

McGRATH DEFEATS H. E. VINES

WINNER'S SENSATIONAL PLAY [FROM OCR OWN correspondent] SYDNEY. Feb. 2 Australia's former Davis Cup champions are unanimous in praise of Vivian McGrath's great victory over the world's lawn tennis champion, IT. E. Vines. McGrath, who lives in Sydney, is still only a boy. Mr. Gerald Patterson said that the match was the most sensational and memorable event in Australia's tennis history. The president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Australia, Mr. Norman Brookes, said "McGrath's performance was a wonderful one, because he showed such courage and will 1o win at the vital time. Ilis victory increases Australia's chance of regaining the Davis Cup in the near future. I consider, however, that, although Vines played well, he was not lip to his world's championship form. Certainly lie was not as severe as usual."

Mr. Patterson praised McGrath's tactics. "Vivian worried Vines with short shots to the middle of the court and varied his length and pace effectively," lie said. "Vines did not seem active enough to get into position and often let; the ball drop too low to play it properly. "The features of McGrath's play were the steadiness of his forehand drives, the brilliancy of his two-handed shots and his ability to return Vine's service. His returns of fast services caused Vines to serve more slowly. "Although McGrath played the best tennis of his career, Vines did not play his regular game and, although he wouid not admit that anything was wrong with liirn, it appeared that he was suffering from some strain. Also the Americans are probably stale after their long tour. "Tho importance of the boy's win is enhanced by the fact that it was in the Australian championship, which is one of the four major tennis events in the world."

Mr. P. O'Hara Wood said the most pleasing feature of McGrath's win was the improvement of his forehand, and also the way in. which he proved his fighting ability. "When Vines forced the pace, the boy stayed with him all the way," said Mr. O'Hara Wood. "Vines seemed to bo suffering from a strained side or shoulder in the later stages of tho "match; otherwise, I am sure, he would not have stayed back as he did He seemed unable to force the pace as he usually does, particularly in the last set. We cannot, of course, say that McGrath is yet in the same class as Vines, and cannot expect him to repeat the performance at present."

Mr. J Crawford said McGrath was more accurate than he had ever seen him before. "Vivian kept a marvellous length, with occasional successful variations, covered court splendidly and anticipated Ellsworth's shots in uncanny fashion," he said. "He made the most of his opponent's pace to get his own speed, and the fast shots coming to his forehand suited him, for he did not have to hit them hard, and was able to return them well by using his racquet more or less as a block.

"Vines had one of those days that come to most players when their shots are just missing. lie made a lot of errors, but most of them either just caught the top of the net or were only inches over the lines. It was certainly a wonderful win for Australia."