Tilden Defeated in Exciting Tennis Test

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 86, 2 July 1927, Page 13

Tilden Defeated in Exciting Tennis Test

GREAT VICTORY FOR COCHET

rLDEN was defeated by Cochet in the semi-final of the men’s singles tennis championship at Wimbledon, after a game so exciting' that the referee had to ask the crowd to be less noisy. Borotra defeated Lacoste. In the women’s semi-final, Miss Helen Wills beat Miss Joan Fry, and Senorita D ! Alvarez beat Miss Byan.

By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright LONDON, Thursday. 'p>RIGHT sunshine and fine play at Wimbledon to-day compensated the spectators for all earlier disappointments. Ttfden’s match was so exciting that the umpire requested the crowd not to cheer so often and so loudly, as it was disconcerting to the players. Tilden’s cannon-ball service and hard driving in the first two sets prevented Cochet from coming to the net. Service aces were scored with monotonous regularity. Cochet started wearing him down in the third set, in which the American suffered a lapse, serving badly and overhitting.

Cochet got a 6—5 lead amid intense excitement, caused by the long rallies. In the fourth, Tilden led after an exciting driving duel off Cochet’s service; but the Frenchman had taken the sting from the American’s delivery, and drew ahead in the third game after five deuces and 1 lies lasting several minutes. Both were tired. Cochet took advantage of Tilden’s condition, forcing him to run as much as possible; but the Amecan made wonderful cross-shots to Cochet’s backhand. The latter’s tactics were remarkable for the agility he displayed. Tilden drew level 2—2, making the hardest crosscourt backhander seen at Wimbledon this year. Thereafter, there was some brilliant tennis, which the tables once more appeared to be turning toward the American. Cochet finished the match with an amazing shot to Tilden’s backhand, threw the racket and handkerchief into the air, dashed to the net, and heartily shook hands with Tilden. Although Miss Ryan established a long lead over Senorita D’Alverez, the latter was in her fcopmo ’ form, and her hard driving in the second and third sets was more effective than Miss ityan’s r“ :v r cAops. Miss Ryan was outrun and outplayed.