DAVIS CUP PROSPECTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22465, 8 July 1936, Page 7

DAVIS CUP PROSPECTS

CHALLENGE TO ENGLAND OPPORTUNITY FOR AUSTRALIA By SIDELINE By defeating the United States in the American zone final for the Davis Cup the Australian team achieved a notable success, which will arouse keen interest in its next trial of strength. Apart from the Wimbledor tourney, interest during the past few weeks has been centred in the European zone matches, which have now reached the concluding stages, with Germany drawn to meet tho Yugoslavia team. The latter was not expected to beat Czechoslovakia and created a s'till greater surprise by defeating France by three matches to two. Earlier matches this year have indicated an improving standard in countries hitherto not regarded as in the first flight, but it seems almost certain that Australia and Germany will play off for the right to meet Great Britain. ' The German team reached the final of the European zone without a serious reverse, with the possible exception that Von Cranim fell to E. Maer in- Barcelona. However, this was when the battle with Spain was over. Von Cramm and H. Henkel, in tho singles, and Von Cramm and K. L. Lund, in the doubles, make up a powerful team, as the Americans found at Wimbledon last year. However, von Cranim's injury at Wimbledon on Friday may greatly prejudice Germany's prospects. The Australian team appears to bo a better-balanced combination than that of Germany and should be capable of winning two singles and the doubles to bring it through. Once again a decision will liavo to be made as to whether J. H. Crawford • and A. K. Quist are to fight both singles and doubles, or whether V. McGrath is to lend a hand in one or the other. Great Britain, in the challenge round, will of necessity rely on the same team as that last year —Perry, Austin, Hughes and Tuekey. The showing of these players in the French championships was not flattering, Perry being beaten by Von Cramm. Austin strained a muscle and retired to Bernard, while Hughes and Tuckey were beaten in the doubles by Borotra and Bernard, 6 —2, 3 —6, 9—7, 6 —l. Wimbledon has, however, completely reestablished Britain's prestige and the task before the challenging nation would now appear to be infinitely greater than it did just after the French meeting.