THE DAVIS CUP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22327, 30 July 1934, Page 7

THE DAVIS CUP

CHALLENGE ROUND BRITAIN IN STRONG POSITION VICTORIES IN OPENING SINGLES (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, July 28. (Received July 29, at 7 p.m.) When play commenced in the opening Singles of the challenge round of the Davis Cup between Britain (the holders) and the United States every scat at Wimbledon was occupied. The weather was fine, but a wind blowing in gusts down the court affected the players’ control of the ball. AUSTIN v. SHIELDS Austin displayed both accuracy and fluency and was too steady for Shields in almost every base-line duel. His ability to keep the ball in play enabled him to await an opening and launch

a volleying attack or catch Shields with short cross-court shots to his forehand, which to-day was particularly vulnerable. Austin's handling of the American’s cannon-ball service deprived the latter of his principal weapon of attack and appeared to upset the whole of his plans. With his confidence sapped, he played the second and third sets mainly from the base-line, where he was outclassed. Many experts doubted Austin’s ability to reverse the Wimbledon result, but he did so handsomely. PERRY v. WOODS In the first set against Wood Perry reproduced his best Wimbledon form. Wood was unable to bring his attacking shots into play, and Perry had him running throughout'the set. Play improved in the second set, each man showing a wise discretion in his net attack. Wood’s service extricated him from difficulties. Perry, when down 2—o, won four games in succession and seemingly had the set in his pocket, but Wood, attacking brilliantly and concentrating on the champion’s forehand down the centre, forced Perry into errors and so unsettled him that he terminated the third set with two double-faults. After the interval Perry took a string of games by audacious placements as a prelude to an attack from the net, whcr“ he usually volleyed for a winner. Wood, realising that his stamina would not allow of an Uphill fight, obviously threw away the last two games, Perry adding to the farce by a “ lollydrop ” first service. In the last sot Wood fought himself to a standstill, but Perry, making miraculous recoveries, outlasted his opponent. Despite his inability to hold the service in the earlier part of the set he always had the upper hand. THE SCORES The scores wore as follows: Austin defeated Shields, (3—4, 6 —4, 6—l. Pcrrv defeated Wood, 6—l, 4—6. 5—7, Q—6, «—3. COMMENT BY TILDEN Commenting on the match, Tild ;u says: “ Shields was disappointing. He lost because he did not possess ground strokes to counter Austin's splendidly conceived attack, and was unable to reach the net owing to the Englishman s passing shots. Finally, he was led into the fatal error of attempting to ‘ swap 5 shots with Austin when it was his only chance to hit him from the court. Wood again proved one of the greatest match players in history. It was a thrilling but ‘ spotty ’ match and the American lacked the reserve to meet Perry’s magnificent spurt in the fifth sot and unfortunately allowed the Englishman to regain his confidence.” ITopman says that Britain deservedly has a stranglehold on the Davis Cup. SNOBBERY AT WIMBLEDON TREATMENT OF STARS LONDON, July 29, (Received July 29, at 11.40 p.m.) The Sunday Express says: “Behind to-day’s Davis Cup match lies the, story of an insult offered to three of the world’s greatest tennis stars. When Cochet telephoned and asked if he could have a seat as a life member, he was told that no professional could be a life member, and he must buy one. After buying a ticket, he asked to be allowed to sit with his old friends and players in the stand, but Ibis privilege was refused. Finally he sat in the press stand as the French journalist’s messenger. He found Suzanne Lenglen there on a press ticket. Tilden was present in the outer stand with a bought ticket.” The Sunday Express says: “These three players brought more money to the Wimbledon shareholders than any throe other players in the world, and now, because they have dared to make money for themselves, they are cast into outer darkness. Such is the snobbery at Wimbledon.” TOURNAMENT AT SHEFFIELD THE FINALS PLAYED LONDON, July 29. (Received July 29, at 9 p.m.) In the finals at’ the Sheffield tournament Miki defeated Malfroy 5—7, 7 —5, 6—2, and Miss Hartigan defeated Mrs Hopman I—(s, 6 —o, o—4.0 —4.