MDDLE. LENGLEN

Southland Times, Issue 19939, 4 August 1926, Page 5

MDDLE. LENGLEN

DECIDES TO TURN PROFESSIONAL. BOMBSHELL IN TENNIS CIRCLES. Paris, Aug. 2. It is officially stated that Mdlle. Suzanne Lenglen has become a professional. She has contracted to play a series of matches in America.—A. and N.Z. A SURPRISING DECISION. (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London, Aug. 3. Sporting critics regard Mlle. Lenglen’s decision as a bombshell which may have a far-reaching effect upon tennis. It is conceded that Mlle. Lenglen has no particular financial reason for throwing up her amateur status as she has a big income through films, book writing and newspaper articles. The income from photograph fees alone is considerable. The change will prevent her from competing at Riviera and Wimbledon tournaments and may even affect exhibition Play. The Daily Chronicle after discussing the matter with leading English amateurs now playing at Eastbourne, says there is no general move towards professionalism, but players are unable to say what may happen if promoters organise exhibition touring tournaments. Thus the South African and Australian tours might tempt some amateurs.—A. and N.Z. CONTRACT SIGNED. FIRST EXHIBITION IN OCTOBER. (Rec. 7.15 p.m.) Paris, Aug. 2. Mddle. Lenglen, with her parents’ consent, has signed a contract with the American, Charles Pyle, to play exhibition matches indoors and outdoors in the United States, Canada, Cuba and Mexico for four months. It is understood that she receives 110,000 dollars plus interest in film rights. She will give the first exhibition on October 10. Her mother and a maid will accompany her. Mr Pyle states that Mdlle Lenglen will meet some of the best American amateurs. Later he hopes to take Mddle. Lenglen on an extended tour of the world.—A. and N.Z.