LAWN TENNIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 October 1927, Page 4

LAWN TENNIS.

TILDEN TOO OLD FOR BIG EVENTS. U.S. MUST GET YOUNGER MEN. New York, Sept. 18. Vincent- Richards, the professional, commenting on Lacoste’s victory over lilden in the National Singles Championship on Saturday, said that Tilden played his best tennis, this year. “Lacoste now takes his place among the super players of the age,” said Richards. “It was a beautifully played backcourt duel that tested the ability of both players before the first three games had been played. Had 'Tilden been able to follow his powerful drives ihto the net to cut off Lacoste's returns with crisp volleys, one might write a different story, but no man in the world can hope to take Lacoste’s measure from the baseline. He is absolutely a stonewall from the baek-eourt, and his remarkable 'gets’ from either side earned thunderous applause. MOVES ANTICIPATED. “No matter what Tilden had to offer, the young Frenchman seemed always to anticipate the move and be waiting on the spot. “Though TiMen led half-way through the first set, I knew he could not win.. He led four games to one and five to two in the third set, only to have a cannonball service and terrific drives returned with the utmost ease and remarkable placements. It would have taken the heart out of any player, and nu hat goes off to Tilden for the gallant fight. “It was a repetition of the Davis Cup matches. Tilden never will be able to beat Lacoste from the baseline, and he is no longer able to stand the terrific strain of running into the net in a hard five-set match.. In this respect he is in the same position as Johnston. The American Davis Cup Committee must look for younger players and more active material. “It is worth while remembering that France has two extra players for the doubles. Tilden might have done better on the third day of the Davis Cup matches if he was not compelled to carry the brunt of the fight against Biugnon and Borotra.”