TENNIS CHAMPIONS.

NZ Truth, Issue 882, 21 October 1922, Page 9

TENNIS CHAMPIONS.

JOHNSTON'S VICTORY OVER PATTERSON. Told by W. T. Tilden. i ■ ___— _ This is how W, T. Tilden wrote of the final stages of the Davis Cup contest: — , - "* America defeated Australia four matches to one m the challenge round of the Davis Gup matches at Forest Hills when •. "Little Bill" , Johnston crushed Gerald L. Patterson, 6-2, 6-2, 6-1, and I defeated J. O. Anderson, 6-4, 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. Little Bill was made the hero of the year by marvellous tennis with which he saved the cup for America- He held the world's champion powerless at every turn, crushing the Australian' 3 tremendous drives, raking his court with marvellous volleys and pounding the Antipodean's backhand until the weak link m Patterson's game collapsed. . Johnston's tennis was aweinspiring. From the point to the end the "little Calif ornian was m fighting trim. Johnston is never so good aa when the stake is highest, and Be was ulaying- for the cup and America. Bang! Crash! Smash! Volley drive or overhead — Johnston was su--prem.fr. Patterson fought bravely and played well, but he was outclassed. There was not a department of the game m which Johnston failed to show his superiority. The famous Patterson service was meat for the John" ston drive. If Patterson came to the net Johnston passed him clean off beforehand by backhand. There was never a moment when the outcome was m doubt It was Johnston at hia greatest, an<s when he Is, it is usually an Johnston. Patterson played desperately, fighting to the end. He proved himself the same splendid sportsman m defeat that he is m victory, generous m praise of his conqueror, ready to admit the great play of the little CaHfornlan. Tha match between J. O. Anderson and me was a mighty struggle, even if the cup was aafe. Anderson wfca far superior to his form of his previous same; m fact he was playing m his usual fine form. I was hard pressed and In danger at all times. The first set was bitterly contested, but a slow start by Anderson ga\e me a lead that I held to the end at 8-4. The second and third sets saw the tall Australian at trfs best. x Hla booming forehand <lrr?e swept down the linos, always forcing me on the defensive or passing me clean as I came into the nek Anderson held what looked a commanding" lead at two ■sets to one. The rest gave me a chance to regain^ my breath, much of which I had lost chasing Anderson's sharply pngled shoijs. I got away with a rush to 4-2, but Anderson pulled even to four all and had me m great danger by leading 0-30 on my service. Two service aces pulled me out of -danger, and I finally, took that game and the set for two sets 'all. This gave me preat confidence and upset Anderson, so I was m command at all times m th« final set, which I won at 6-2, a fortunate victory. Patterson paid a generous but -well deserved compliment to the New York galleries m particular and the American tennis public m general by a short speech, m which he thankel the crowds for the sportsmanlike bebavibur and kind reception of the Australian team. All the Australians received an ovation on' their appearance and at the end of their matches, and left, although- defeated, allowing that they had made warm friends of all who saw their sporting play.