DAVIS CUP

Southland Times, Issue 25308, 11 June 1935, Page 7

DAVIS CUP

AUSTRALIA v. FRANCE EACH SIDE WINS A SINGLE McGrath defeated (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Paris, June 8. The Davis Cup match between Australia and France began to-day, each side winning a single. Results: J. H. Crawford (Australia) defeated A. Merlin (France), 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. C. Boussus (France) defeated V. B. McGrath (Australia), 6-4, 2-6, 8-6, 6-1. The weather was fine and warm, but a gusty wind was blowing. Seven thousand were present. Although Merlin, in the first set, displayed more initiative, Crawford won by forcing the Frenchman into errors. Merlin was brilliantly aggressive in the second set, which he won, though Crawford fought magnificently. Merlin led 2-1 in the third, but Crawford levelled by winning his service, which he had frequently lost in the earlier sets. This seemed to restore the Australian’s confidence and he captured four successive games. Then he comfortably clinched the set. With a great variety of strokes Crawford unquestionably dominated the final set. Boussus scored with crisp drives to McGrath’s corners in the first set, which he won despite trouble in breaking through the Australian’s kicking, angular service. The Frenchman's errors cost him the second set. Both displayed determination in the third, which Boussus took after a great driving duel, The Frenchman was severely accurate in the final set. McGrath’s defeat by Boussus is rather surprising, for on performances the Australian appeared the' better Crawford, however, should beat Boussus, and McGrath will probably make amends by beating Merlin, which will mean that Australia has progressed a stage further in her bid for the cup. Her chances against England cannot be considered bright, all the same, unless both Crawford and McGrath can lift their game. THE DOUBLES WIN TO AUSTRALIA. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Paris, June 9. In the Davis Cup doubles match J. H. Crawford and A. K. Quist (Australia) defeated J. Borotra and M. Bernard (France), 6—3, 4—6, 10—8, 6—4. Ten thousand spectators witnessed the match, in which Crawford was in excellent form, dominating the Australian attack. Quist’s volleys were uncertain, but the Australians combined well. France captured the second set from 3—4 with a run of brilliant shots. A great struggle took place in the third set. France led 5 —4, but Australia equalized after breaking through Bernard s service and took the set. In the final set Bernard hardly, made a mistake, but Borotra was too anxious to make winners. Crawford smashed in great style, and Australia took the set.