POPULAR IDOL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17906, 23 July 1926, Page 11

POPULAR IDOL.

SPAIN'S GAY SENORITA.

LONDON, July 5. Spain’s vivacious gay Senorita after giving one of the most dashing displays seen at Wimbledon succumbed to sheer British doggedness in the final of the ladies’ singles yesterday. Incidentally this match between Senorita Lily Afvarez and Mrs L. A. Godfree was one of the most memorable women’s matches and produced a glorious finale to the jubilee All-England tournament at Wimbledon. There has never been a more representative crowd at the ground. It seemed a world wide gathering, with the Eastern nations there as well as those of the West. The Royal box contained ex-King Manoel of Portugal, Princess Beatrice, Princess Victoria, Mdlle Suzanne Lenglen, and Indian notabilities in their turbans. The ladies’ singles final undoubtedly overshadowed everything. Dainty Senorita Alvarez took the court wearing a dazzling scarlet jumper and bandeau, which contrasted with her darkish skin. Her sparkling, smiling eyes revealed a personality as picturesque as any ever seen at Wimbledon. She has become a popular idol, and was wildly cheered. ’ Certainly nobody has appealed more to the imagination of the spectators round the centre court. Wonderful Backhand. The crowd quickly became excited, and applauded the Senorita before a stroke had finished, causing the umpire to lift up his hand and request silence. Mrs Godfree took the first set without trying a single “winner.” She allowed the somewhat erratic Spaniard to make mistakes. However, the second set produced some of the finest women’s tennis seen at Wimbledon. The Senorita’s backhand and crosscourt shots were equally effective. Probably she has the most amazing backhand ever possessed by a woman. A remark frequently heard was, no man player will presently have a better backhand. Time and again, Senorita Alvarez left Mrs Godfree standing by driving backhand passing shots along the chalkline. For sheer audacity, there has not been anything to equal these shots. Mrs Godfree appeared beaten when the Spaniard led 3-1 in the third set. Suddenly the Senorita began to net her returns, and also to hit wildly. Thereupon, Mrs Godfree, snatching her chance, repeated her earlier tactics, and allowed her temperamental opponent to make mistakes. Thence onwards, Airs Godfree appeared to outplay the Senorita. Mrs Godfree eventually- won the match with a ball that just trickled over the net. So a great woman artist of tennis was beaten by sheer grit and tenacity. England’s win was tumultuously applauded. The scores were 6-2, 4-G, 6-3. Experts are of opinion that Senorita Alvarez is not likely ever to win a championship, but that if she had Suzanne Lenglen’s steadiness, she would be an equally great player.