EXHIBITION GAMES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23181, 29 October 1938, Page 17

EXHIBITION GAMES

VISITORS LIBEBAL PLAY AT STANLEY STREET INTEREST IN J. BROMWICH Members of both the Australian lawn tennis teams appeared in exhibition matches at Stanley Street yesterday afternoon. Although straight off the boat and feeling the effects of the voyage, more particularly the ladies, they entertained a crowd of nearly 2000 in most liberal manner, taking part in four singles matches and three doubles. The standard of play was excellent under the prevailing conditions. The court was heavy after rain, and, although the weather was threatening in the early afternoon, the programme was completed with but one interruption. This was in the third set of the first ladies' singles between Misses Wynne and Coyne, when a light shower drove the players from the court for a few minutes. The condition of the surface improved gradually under the heat of a strong sun and drying wind. With the exception of Misses Wynhe, Coyne and Stevenson all the players had previously appeared in Auckland, and so special interest centred in the matches in which this trio took. part. Misses Wynne and Coyne had first use of the court and they gave a display of a type that differed from anything seen in Auckland for some time past. Both indulged in hard and accurate hitting.

An Elegant Style Miss Wynne, possessor of an elegant style, served particularly well, placing several aces. Both hit very strongly across court on their forehands, Miss Wynne being the steadier of the pair. On. account of the damp state of the court the players manoeuvred for drop shots, Miss Wynne being more successful in that respect. Her timing in the second set, however, was faulty, although several shots missed going over by inches only and also just skimmed outside the sidelines. There was only one long game, that being the eighth one in the first set when six deuces were called.

Hopman and Quist then took the court and the former won comfortably. He played confidently from the outset and showed something of the tennis which he produced in the later stages of the American tour. Quist appeared nervous of the heavy court. It was similar to one upon which he fell in Germany two years ago and injured his ankle. The meeting of Mrs. Hopman and Miss Stevenson was productive of steady tennis without rising to great heights. Both players stayed on the baselines and manoeuvred for position to send over a drop shot. Mrs. Hopman's greater experience was too much for her younger opponent. Brown Easily Defeated The crowd looked forward to the meeting of Bromwich with A. D. Brown, the Auckland and New Zealand champion, but as a contest it was a little disappointing, the ambidextrous Australian being much too good. Brown did not win a game in the first set, being repeatedly passed at the net with angled shots and fast straight drives off either hand, or by cleverly-placed lobs. Brown did better in the second set by staying 011 the baseline. There were several good rallies in this set. Brown displaying fine work overhead. He won one game, but went close to capturing one or two more. The men's doubles match was productive of some very fine play, as could be expected from contestants in the world's top flight, it was apparent, however, that all four held something in reserve, being apparently unwilling to take unnecessary risks 011 the court. Hopman had the best serve of the quartet, although when Quist extended himself he was not troubled to ace his opponents. Bromwich was remarkably steady and brought off winners overhead from all manner of angles. He used either hand, according to requirements, and occasionally returned ground shots and volleyed with his double forehand. Schwartz did not serve so severely as the others, but he was very sound overhead. There were some excellent volleying rallies. Presentation to Visitors A good exhibition of combined doubles play was given by Schwartz and Miss Coyne and Hopman and Mrs. Hopman. Scjrwartz did brilliant work at the net, and this was the deciding factor in the result. Hopman again served splendidly and both ladies lent admirable support to their partners. Prior to the commencement of this match presentations were made to members of both Australian teams and their managers on behalf of the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association by Mrs. Spencer Lamb, wife of the president of the association. They consisted of Maori carved cigarette boxes to the male visitors and trinket boxes to the ladies. Mrs. Hopman received a silver kiwi mounted upon greenstone. Messrs. Hopman and Walker suitably replied. Following were the results:—

SINGLES MATCHES Miss N. Wynne beat Miss T. Coyne, 6—4, I—6,1 —6, 6 —2. H. Hopman beat A. K. Quist, 6—3, 6—2. Mrs. H. Hopman beat Miss D. Stevenson, 6—3, 6 —2. J. Bromwich beat A. D. Brown, 6 —o, 6—l. DOUBLES MATCHES J. Bromwich and A. K. Quist beat H. Hopman and L. Schwartz, 6 —3, 6 —4. L. Schwartz and Miss Coyne beat H. Hopman and Mrs. Hopman, 6 —4, 6—2.