J.O. TURNS TENNIS PRO.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18013, 25 November 1926, Page 7

J.O. TURNS TENNIS PRO.

AUSTRALIAN CHAMPION CAUSES A SENSATION. (Special to the “ Star.”) SYDNEY, November 13. 3. O. Anderson, champion lawn tennis player of New South Wales, has decided to become a professional. He explains that he cannot any longer give the time to play tennis abroad, as an amateur, and that he feels strongly that it is his duty to devote more of his time to encouraging and helping the younger generation of Australian lawn tennis stars. Anderson writes to the Press as fol* lows:— “For some considerable _ time I have felt—for business and private reasons —that I cannot in future participate in championship tennis abroad, but I do feel there is a pressing duty devolving upon me to give more time to the younger and promising players of my own country. “During the past seven or eight years I have spent the greater part of my time in fields abroad. As there is a limited period to every sportsman in the heyday of his c. reer, there is not much more time left for me, and therefore T feel there is a pressing duty t.o perform to devote the remaining portion of my tennis capabilities in trying to help, encourage, and foster the talent which is without doubt in some of our present-day younger players. “I would like the public to clearly understand at this juncture that I am participating in the coming match against Victoria at Melbourne at the end of this month, and also in the match of four a-side against Victoria at the White City on December 10 and 11. “At the conclusion of this latter match I will, therefore, cease to be an amateur tennis player.” “NOT A SURPRISE.” J. O. Anderson's announcement, that he has decided to follow Suzanne Lenglen, Vincent Richards, and others, is not altogether a surprise (writes M. H. Marsh). The world’s greatest players are unable, without adequate remuneration, to answer the many calls made upon their time, unless they happen to be wealth}’ people. Because a man has a genius for a game, there is no reason why 1 it should not be used to obtain an income. I did not blame Suzanne; in fact, I congratulated her, and I do the same now to Australia’s champion. Anderson had promised to play in the inter-State match against Victoria this month, and in the special match in Sydney, on December 10 and 11, and he will not enter into any contract until after those dates. In that he is wise, because he is playing so well that he will probably prove himself the best player in Australia by defeating Patterson and Hawkes in these mat ches, and that will be most importaint to his future career. It will enable him to demand and obtain a higher price, should other professionals visit Australia, as seems certain, in the near future.

The whole question of professional - ism now will have to be faced by the Australasian Lawn Tennis Association. Personally, I see no reason whatever why a professional and an amateur should not meet in exhibition matches. Events will have to be created later for professionals, and also for both amateurs and professionals, on our programmes. Any changes will require to be most carefully thought out, and full consideration given to the point of view of the professional, and the public, as well as that of the amateur. All professionals should lie controlled by an amateur body. That, in my opinion, is essential. I hope to see the N.S.W.- Lawn Tennis Association secure the services of J. O. Anderson immediately they become available, and wish him good luck in his new role.