LAV® TENNIS

Otago Witness, Issue 3882, 7 August 1928, Page 51

LAV® TENNIS

By

Smash.

From a field of 33 nations —affording proof once more of the universality of the’ game—France has, again emerged triumphant from the Davis Cup competition, the blue riband of international lawn tennis. Following as it did so closely upon the success of the Frenchmen at Wimbledon, where three players from this nation were among the four semifinalists, the’result occasioned no great surprise. Indeed, the dominance of the French players has been so marked during the past two years, mainly through the agency of Lacoste, Borotra, and Cochet, that genuine surprise would have been created had they suffered defeat. As it was. the Americans put up a remarkable fight, and at one stage appeared to hold a chance of wresting the trophy from the holders, but it was not to be. France, is still the premier nation of the world in this branch of sport. Some of the matches must have been of a particularly thrilling nature, and it is evident from the cabled reports that the standard of play was worthy of the great occasion.

Prior to their departure for the Continent the Americans had leached the interzone final by defeating Mexico, China and Japan in turn without the Joss of a single match. There were only six nations engaged in the American zone. In the European zone, competition was remarkably keen, no fewer than 27 nations entering the lists, including New Zealand and Australia. An unexpected occurrence was the defeat in the first round of the Australians at the hands of Italy, this reverse marking the first occasion upon which Australia had been beaten in the opening round of the competition. New Zealand—represented by E. D. Andrews and It. R. T. Young—fared rather better than the Commonwealth, and succeeded in eliminating Portugal by four matches to one, after which our team, for a reason that has never been satisfactorily explained, withdrew from the competition, defaulting to Czecho-Slovakia in the second round. Great Britain, which has languished rather sadly since the day. of J. C. Parke, made a fairly good showing, and remained in the running up to the semi-final round, when it was defeated by the Italians. In the lower half of the' draw, Czechoslovakia' reached the final by defeating Holland, and was then extinguished by Italy, which in turn suffered defeat at the hands of the Americans in the interzone final. This brought America up to the stage of becoming the vis-a-vis of France, the holder of the cup. The eve of the inter-zone final was marked by a sensational incident in the form of the disqualification of Tilden for breaking the famous “ player-writer” rule of the United States Lawn Tennis Association. Coming like a bolt from the blue, the announcement caused consternation among the Italians and the French authorities, for Tilden is a great magnet of the courts and his brilliant play and masterly tactics make him one of the outstanding figures of the game. His alleged offence consisted in supplying the newspapers with information concerning the Wimbledon tournament, at which he was a competitor, and for this he was condemned without a trial and suspended by the authorities at Home. Not only was this a drastic procedure in itself, but it involved a highly discourteous disregard for the feelings of Italy and France, which had an immediate reaction in a popular demand for his reinstatement. 'Hie upshot was that Tilden was required to stand down from the team which played Italy, but in the meantime the intervention of Mr Herrich (American Ambassador in Paris) proved effective and the disqualification ban was removed, en sibling him to play against France. This retreat on the part of the American lawn tennis authorities made them look rather foolish, and it would have been greatly preferable if they had merely notified Tilden that his action would be subject to an. inquiry on the return of the Davis Cup team from its present tour. Whether or not that course will yet be followed remains to be seen, but it is' highly probable that the regrettable affair will have the ultimate effect of regulating the practice for the future.

The opening match of the challenge round was sensational. Before crowded galleries the two greatest players in the world faced each other. The stage was set for a thrilling contest, and a thrilling contest it was.- The advantage of circumstances lay with the Frenchman. He was playing on his native heath, he had youth on his side, and perhaps more important than all, he had in his favour a balance of victories over his rival including one at Wimbledon earlier in the month. That Tilden rose superior to these disadvantages and forged his way to victory in a five-set encounter once more emphasisted his greatness as a player, and, indeed, constituted one of the most notable feats of his career. As the cable message said, it was a truly “ amazing victory,” and how must the spectators have been thrilled as these two outstanding players brought into play against each other all the skill and finesse which have placed them in their position of supremacy at the head of the world’s ranking list ! Beginning unsteadily, Tilden dropped the first set at I—6,1 —6, but he took the second and third at G—4 each. The fourth went to Lacoste at 6 —2—a score which indicates that Tilden was reserving himself for a decisive onslaught in the fifth.. And his strategy proved effective. Bringing his whole armoury of strokes, versatility, and guile' to bear upon his opponent, he twice broke through Lacoste’s service to lead at 5—3, and by that time he had apparently established an ascendancy that placed the issue almost beyond doubt. The ninth game gave him the victory, and though it involved the dethronement of their idol the French crowd would certainly not grudge him a success which he had so deservingly earned. In the second singles match Hennessey began well by taking the opening set from Cochet and running him to 9 —7 in the second, but after that the Frenchman had 'matters entirely his own way and took the fourth set to love. If the match between Tilden and Lacoste was thrilling, what can be said of the doubles contest? Last-minute changes

in the American team, decided upon, no doubt, when it was realised that the challengers had -a chance of victory, saw Cochet and Borotra opposed by Tilden and Hunter. Through four sets of brilliant play the battle raged, with neither side able to establish a definite advantage, and so superb 'was .the play that the spectators, unable to restrain themselves, rose and cheered continuously. At the end of the fourth set each side had won 23 games. The fifth set saw the I’reneh at their best. Playing an inspired game, they ran to a lead of 5 —2, and when Hunter dropped his service in the eighth game 'America lost its hold on the cup. The third day's play emphasised the completeness of the French triumph. Cochet defeated Tilden in straight sets, but the American made a great fight of it in the first two, either of which a shade of luck might have turned his way. In the third, however, the strain of the previous two day’s play told its tale, and Cochet, who had been playing tennis of a very high order, established a definite ascendancy at 6—4, which gave him the victory. Lacoste. as was generally anticipated, had little difficulty in defeating Hennessey in a match which largely partook of the nature of an exhibition. The challenge round may be summed up by saying that Tilden’s win over Lacoste on ■ the first day gave America fi chance of regaining the trophy; but that chance was definitely extinguished when the Americans lent the doubles.

LOCAL MATTERS. This (Tuesday) evening a social gathering will be held at the Savoy for the purpose of explaining the proposals which have been formulated by the Finance Committee of the association in connection with the provision of courts at Logan Park. The programme approved of provides for the laying down of 25 hard courts, the erection of a suitable grand stand, and provision for catering and dressing accommodation. A portion of the money required is already in the hands of the association, but over and above that a sum of £4OOO is needed, and it is proposed to raise this balance by means of 6 per cent, bearer debentures. having a currency of 15 years. Ample security covers the debentures, and redemption is provided for by the association’s investments in a Starr-Bowkett society. The advancement of the game in Dunedin has always been impeded by a lack of courts, and now that the association, actuated by a spirit of progressiveness. has embarked upon an enterprise that will overcome this drawback, it is to be hoped that its efforts will meet with practical support from clubs and individual players alike. The purchase of debentures represents not only an attractive investment, but supplies a means of helping forward the game along the most progressive lines. The rejection of Mr Sidey’s Summer Time Bill by’ Parliament will be deeplyregretted by lawn tennis players throughout the Dominion, who were numbered amongst the most enthusiastic supporters of the measure. Owing to the remarkably fine weather experienced last summer, the full benefits of daylight saving could be enjoyed, and the measure was regarded as a boon bv all followers of the game, who will be filled with lamentation and woe over the decision of the House. The matter is one that might well be taken up by • sports bodies generally throughout New Zealand, and consideration could also be given to the question of instituting in Dunedin a scheme of modified daylight saving to meet the local requirements. This is a direction in which the Lawn Tennis Association will no doubt heartily co-operate with other sporting bodies.

DAVIS CUP CONTEST. FRANCE WINS THE DOUBLES. PARIS. July 29. In the Davis Cup doubles' Cochet and Borotra (France) beat Tilden and Hunter (America), 6—4, 6—B, 7—5 4—6, 6—2.

The Frenchmen achieved a spectacular victory Tilden was just as remarkable as on Friday, and Hunter ablv seconded him; The French players won many points in the first set by lightning smashes. Both men drove hard and placed the bal] finely. The third set was slower, the Frenchmen being apparently less inspired, but they scrambled out winners. Hunter was steadier than previously. The first four games of the last set nere won by France's superb team work. The Americans.were also good. In the fifth game Borotra deliberately drove out a ball following a disputed service from Cochet. The succeeding game was a magnificent example of French control in returning a series of tempting high shots.

SPECTATORS WILDLY EXCITED. PARIS, July 29 Ten thousand spectators—a record for France—worked themselves into a frenzy over the tennis. There were many dramatic changes and the battle waged to and fro for 140 minutes. The fighting was maintained at a marvellous level, and rose on occasions to super heights, the players realising that the fate of the t.roph v practically depended on the foursome.

The eleventh hour change of Tildenl and Hunter in place of Hennessey and' Lott unquestionably gave France a tougher; proposition, while the substitution ofj Cochet for Brugnon resulted in the pairing of • the world’s greatest overhead hitters. The Americans lobbed frequently, often keeping a rally alive by wonderful recoveries and tossing the ball high again. The Frenchmen crashed one ball after another, in most sensational style, and the spectators, standing up, cheered continuously and revelled in the service of ace balls. Tilden’s acrobatic leaps and Rashing racket work, and Borotra s, as well as Cochet’s 1 , astonishing interceptions at the net. It , is no exaggeration to say that Borotra played the greatest game of the four, and he won three service games in

the third set, all actually to love, mainly by volleying strokes of magnificent character. Hunter’s ganTfc was typically good, but he did not possess the hurricane speed of ’lilden in his service delivery. These virtually became the key to the French victory.

At the interval, although France led 2—l, Tilden remarked to a fiiend, “It's all right, _ue are going to win.” When the Americans got level by the capture of the fourth set it seemed as though the apparently impossible was about to happen The Frenchmen, however, played like inspired men, and the crowd’s excitement surpassed all tennis bounds The French players piled np the points until the games were 5—2, and thousands cried, ‘Sh ” as Hunter toed the line, awaiting in silence the last service of the game. Cochet returned the ball wide. Tilden faltered, and Borotra leaped wide and crashed the ball direct at the American, hitting Tilden a resounding thump. The croud yelled for fully half a minute. The -Americans gamed the next point with startling volleying, then there was brilliant duelling in which Hunter was forced out of position, and Borotra flashed the ball down the centre. Borotra then registered a clean winner by returning the service. It was match point 15—40. .and Hunter netted the last ball, and France virtually saved the Davis Cup.

FRANCE AVI XS THE CUP. PARIS. July 50. In the singles Cochet beat Tilden, 9—7, B—6, 6—4; Lacoste beat Hennessey, 4—6, 1. 7—5, 6—3. France therefore wins the Davis Cup.

COCHET'S DEFEAT OF TILDEN. PARIS, July 30. The ground was heavy, and there was no wind. Cochet began aggressively, keeping Tilden running, and he quickly led, 3—l. Tilden cleverly varied his cross-shots, and with terrific drives drew level and then led, 5—4. Cochet, without being perturbed, was returning Tilden’s fiercest shots, and the American oftener sent the ball into the net .than did his opponent. Cochet. remaining on the base line, frequently passed him beautifully, and three times won from Tilden’s service. The latter led the second set, 3—l and 5—2. ’Cochet, after a terrific struggle, won six of the next seven games, and deuce was called 15 times in the twelfth game. The pace was over fast for Tilden, who was unable to hold Cochet in the third set. despite a wonderful effort. Cochet has never been better. The plav throughout was full of thrills, and the net play at times was like forked lightning. TILDEN'S OPINION OF COCHET. PARIS, July 30. “As Cochet played to-day, he is undoubtedly the best player in the world. I played even harder than I did against Lacoste, but could not overcome Cochet’s attacks. J have uo excuses to offer. We did not .vin the cup, but we have done our best.” This was Tilden’s comment after the 113 minutes’ struggle in which Cochet won the Davis Cup for France.

Before the match the French and British critics thought that the odds were on the American, but Cochet was inspired as never before. Tilden tried everything—lightning speed, cannonball and foxy services, cut and sliced shots all over the court —but Cochet played like a “ mistakelcss machine."

The Davis Cup, emblem of lawn tennis supremacy, was presented by Mr Dwight F. Davis, now Assistant Secretary of the Navy in the United States administration, and was first competed for in the year 1900. It was held by America for three years, and in 1903 the famous Doherty Brothers won it for Great Britain, in whose posesssion it remained till 1907, when Australasia first came upon the scene by the sensational prowess of Brookes and Wilding. New Zealand had no separate lawn tennis identity; in those days, and Australasia held the cup till 1912. when the English team, consisting of Parke, Dixon, and Beamish, recaptured it in an historic match in Melbourne, in which Brookes suffered defeat at the hands of Parke. In the following year the cup returned to America, only to be regained in 1914 bv Australasia, who held it unchallenged throughout the period of the war and successfully defended it in 1919. The next year witnessed the inauguration of the reign of Tilden and Johnston, who journeyed to Auckland at the end of 1920 and inflicted a crushing defeat on Patterson and Brookes, who failed to win a single match. For the next six years these two great players ensured the supremacy of the United States, anil in defence of the cup both Tilden and Johnston placed to their credit a series of victories over the leading representatives of other nations that is without parallel in the annals of the game. Last .year the trophy left the New World and returned the Old; thus inaugurating yet another era in the history of the competition. The successful challengers were the same four Frenchmen who had opposed America in the challenge rounds of 1925 and 1926—striving in vain to break through the staunch defence of Tilden and Johnston, supported by Williams and Richards. France first competed for the Davis Cup in 1904, and she therefore won the international championship after 23 years of sustained effort—effort in which the enthusiasm and energy of her young players, her courage in adversity, and her unquenchable determination to win through were fittingly vindicated. Hitherto the cup had never been captured by a Latin race, nor by a country not speaking the English tongue, nor using turf courts. This year, for the first time in its history, the cup was defended upon a non-grass court, the venue of the interzone final and the challenge round being the new match arena at AuteuiL

THE AUSTRALIAN PLAYERS. GAMES AT OSTEND. PARIS, July 30. At Ostend Miss Bickerton won from Mlle Pasquier by default; Miss Boyd beat Mlle de Borman, 6—3, 6 —4; Mille. Josanne Sigart beat Mrs O’Hara Wood, 3—6, 6—4, 10—8. In the mixed doubles semi-finals Josanne Sigart and Washer won from Mrs O’Hara AVood and Toussaint bv default; Miss Akhurst and Crawford beat Mlle. Paxi aird Ewbank, 6—4, 6 —4. , In the men’s doubles final AA’asher and Ewbank beat AA’atson and Crawford, 6—4, 6—3, 2—6, 6—2.

SUCCESSES AT OSTEND. BRUSSELS, July 30. At Ostend in the finals of the men’s singles Crawford beat AA’asher, 7 5 B—6, 4—6, 6—2.

In the mixed doubles Miss Akhurst and Crawford beat Mlle. Josanne Si ,r art and Washer. 7 —5, B—6.

- NO FRENCH TEAM FOR AUSTRALI A. t PARIS, July 31. The French Association has definitely decided that it is unable to send a tennis team to Australia this year. GAMES IN GERMANY. PRAGUE, August 1. Jan Kozeluh beat Cummings, 6—4, —7, 6—4, 6—l; Moon played P. Macenauer, the scores being, 2—6. 7—5. 6 3. 4—6. The match was unfinished owim? to a bad light.