THE DAVIS CUP

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 87, 17 August 1923, Page 5

THE DAVIS CUP

SEMI-FINALS AT BOSTON. AUSTRALIANS’ SUCCESSES. Pres* Association —Copyright. Australian *nd N.Z Cable Association, (Received 10.30 a.m.) Boston, August 16. The semi-finals for tho Davis Cup began to-day, Australia meeting Franco. The winner plays the United States, the present holder. Australia won both their matches to-day. Anderson defeated Lacosto 7 >j, 6-3, 6—4. Hawkes defeated Bmgnon 0— fc--6—l, 7—5.

ANDERSON-LA COSTE MATCH, AUSTRALIAN’S SUPERIORITY. Press Association-Copyright. Australian and N.Z Cable Association. (Received Noon). Boston, August 10. In the match between Anderson and La Cost©, the Australian won the first game, out-volleying the Frenchman, but then he became erratic and made mi; takes continuously, whereas La Coste made few errors. At 3—5 it looked as if the latter would win the* satf-bnt' Anderson steadied remarkably, and though twice within a, point of, lp#ipg. , *V n the next' fo,ur games and the sol. His shots were carefully timedv and he drove for La Ooste’s forhand, which was the weakest spot. . > , In tho next set, the Frenchman, while not showing bad tennis, wa« clearly outplayed, and Anderson already seemed to Jiave the match well in hand. La Coste battled hard, but +he Australian took hold of the situation aid won comfortable

Both played with dash, and made spoctauilar recoveries, the ball being coni.nuously volleyed, hit An derson’s great experience was beginning; to show that his opponent was not his equal. In the third and last set, La Coste began with a heady game driving continuously for the Aus traban’s backhand, and this succeedel to the extent that he won the first two games. Anderson then changed his methods, by manoeuvring from the backhand. He took ttvo games, but after that the Australian struck his pace, and in three games his opponent only scored eight points. The Frenchman managed to take one more game on his service, but in the next Anderson "served three aces, won a love game, and with it the set.

HAWKES’ EASY WIN. OPPONENT OUTCLASSED, (Received 1 p.m.) Boston, August 16. In the match between Hawkes and Brugnon, the former completely outclassed his opponent in the first two -sets, and had a commanding lead of s—l in the third. The- Frenchman then made an excellent recovery, and played his hest tennis of the match, while Hawkes slowed .np considerably. Brugnon in the first set only got the second and, third games through good volleying, while Hawkee won ten games in a row. The Frenchman rushed to the net at every opportunity. and at times did some excellent volleying, but Hawkes had the best of it throughout. Ho returned the service with a lot of topspin to the Frenchman’s feet, causing him to net or volley defensively, and at other times passing him with clean aces down the forehand. Hawkes found Brugnon easy to overcame, because he attempted too much dash. He appears to be a player of little experience, and wanting in even the ordinary steadiness expected in a Davis Cup candidate. His rally in the th rd set was unexpected, but largely attributable to Hawkes’ own errors.

The draw for the doubles is Lacouste and Brugnon against Hawkes and Anderson.