The Star. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1922. THE FIGHT FOR THE CUP.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16829, 4 September 1922, Page 6

The Star. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1922. THE FIGHT FOR THE CUP.

Once again the Australian tennis players have shown that they can produce their best in the face of almost hopeless odds. The success of Patterson and AN ood in the doubles match of the Dai is Cup not only rekindles a worldwide interest in the Challenge tie. but also carries the conviction that if the Australians fall short of their ultimate objective it will not be for lack of spirit and determination. Their success has come as a surprise almost as much overseas as in New York, and it will serve to re-establish the supremacy of the Australian doubles game, whicli was so firmly founded by Brookes and his partners. Up till a couple of years ago, in fact, Australians were regarded as the most polished exponents of the doubles game, and they introduced several innovations in court . position and tactics that have been copied by the other nations. American plavers, in particular, had modelled their game so closely on the Australian plan in recent years that they appeared to have assumed a superioritv iu doubles, and the fact was driven home when Tilden and Richards last week defeated Patterson and Wood in the National doubles final. In that match, however, the Australians were pressed for time, and in their anxiety regarding train arrangements for the bigger fixture they might easily have failed to do themselves .justice. At all events, their reversal of form against the same opponents is so overwhelming as to he incapable of explanation apart from the actual quality of the play Certainly, the youthful Vincent Richards may have been overawed by the importance of the occasion, hut. seeing that he has won the National doubles championship twice running with Tilden as a partner, lie must be accustomed to a big gallery by now, and his victory last week ought to have strengthened his morale. The final singles will be played to-day. when Patterson will meet Johnston and Anderson will meet Tilden. The Amerihave only to win one match to retain the Cup, and on form they should do so comfortably; but it is just here that another reversal of form is possible, and much depends on Anderson’s fitness after his recent illness. On the first day he went down very easily in straight sets to the hardhitting Johnston, but from all accounts it appeared that Anderson beat himself on errors and weaknesses that were not inherent in his game. Even a two day’s rest, from Friday to Monday, may work a change in him for his match against Tilden to-dav. East year he was beaten by Tilden, but lie took bis revenge in a great five set match which established a record in the final set. It is almost too much to hope, however, that Anderson can beat Tilden after his poor showing against Johnston. On his best form it would be a great match, for Anderson is almost Patterson’s equal, and Tilden would find fewer weak spots in Anderson that in Patterson. As for the match between Patterson and Johnston it may he taken for granted that the Australian will put up a hard fight, not only for “the side,” hut for his personal credit as winner of the Wimbledon Championship. There has been something quite admirable in Patterson’s fighting spirit on the court, and his selection of Wood for the doubles has fully justified itself, while he appears to have exercised a wise quality of leadership in allowing his partner “ to shine,” as the cable agent has put it. Although the Australians have only one success to their credit so far, they must be greatly heartened for the final singles, and their success would certainly he the most sensational event in the history of the Davis Cup.