DAVIS CUP TENNIS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23486, 25 October 1939, Page 16

DAVIS CUP TENNIS

AUSTRALIAN DOUBLES PAIR GREATEST OF ALL TIMES "Bromwich and Quist have -proved themselves the greatest doubles pair of recent years and probably of all time," stales an Australian press representative who witnessed the recent Davis Cup matches in America. That is saying a lot when one recalls such great pairs as Brookes-Wilding, PattersonAnderson, Tilden-Joluison and BorotraHrugnon. But is it not disputed by such authorities as Mercer Beasley, Walter Pate, Sir Norman Brooks and Vincent Richards. Beasley, famous American coach, never failed to enthuse wiien watching Bromwich and Quist. After Cooke and Riggs, 1030 Wimbledon champions, had crashed before Bromwich-Quist to (be tuno of- o—l, o—l,0 —1, (> —0, in the semi-'lnnl of the American national doubles, Beasley walked into the Americans' dressing room. "Don't be too discouraged," lie told them. "This afternoon you were in the presence of masters." Later ho drew me aside and said:—"lf Australia wins the cup next week, I intend to go tu your country in 1010 to learn "Australia's methods of developing doubles players." Yet there is no secret about Bromwich and Quist's methods. Everything they do is recommended in any good copybook on tennis. Their returns of service invariably catch the server at his feet—and uppish volleys cannot hope to succeed against players of Quist and Broimvieh's skill. Quist paves the way for many coups by forcing his opponents off the court with his service. Bromwich\s service is generally held to be weak. Yet he rarely loses it in doubles. His opponents can take few liberties, because be keeps such a perfect length and varies his placements so well. . Overhead, both Australians are sure. Quist really smashes. Bromwich wins his points by his amazing ancles. They have developed combination to a high pitch. This is one of the biggest factors in' their success. Instinctively. each leaves shots which he knows his partner is capable of dealing with more effectively. Quist. for instance, recognises tho superlati veness of Bromwich's ground shots and close net play, and rarely intercepts. But he docs not hesitate to go for anything in the , air which may be close to Bromwich and invites an outright winner. Since the.v first played together in 1037 only once have thev been beaten, by Mako and Budge in the national doubles last year. They avenged that defeat in the Davis Cup a week later. They have gone through the Australian and American season this year without a defeat.