DAVIS CUP CONTEST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23093, 19 July 1938, Page 9

DAVIS CUP CONTEST

AUSTRALIAN PLAYERS AWAITING THE MEXICANS ENFORCED LACK OF PRACTICE (Received July 18. 5.5 p.m.) KANSAS CITY, July 17 The members of the Australian Davis Cup team were compelled to play squash racquets on Friday, owing to the failure of their luggage to arrive. The men were up early and after breakfast began a variety of limberingup exercises. The team manager, Mr. Hopinan, has been keenly gathering data about the Mexicans, who are due at Kansas City on July 22. Hernandez, Tapia and Badalla, who make up the team, are said to have been actively practising and to be in top form. It is believed that Tapia and Hernandez, both younger men, will play in the doubles and in the singles. Although Badalla is a noted chop artist, it is believed that the Mexican management desires to give the juniors all possible international experience. The Australians' luggage arrived yesterday, but their relief was shortlived, for a heavy downpour of rain—the first for several weeks—began as soon as they stepped on to the courts, making play impossible. They have not had racquets in their hands since they left California and Mr. Hopinan fears they may lose their keen edge unless they play soon. Rain fell all night and no practice was possible again to-day. Tennis experts in Mexico City regard the victory of the Australians as a foregone conclusion, says* the correspondent of the United Press.