WORLD’S CHAMPION.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 809, 8 July 1933, Page 1

WORLD’S CHAMPION.

Crawford Assumes Mantle of Brook j WONDERFUL SINGLES WIN. With his win in the virtual world's singles tennis championship Jack Crawford. Australian star, has assumed the mantle of his famous countryman. Nor- i man Brookes, who twice won the W imbledon singles with tennis that was the last word in artistry. As Crawford is now in wonderful form Australians must feel hopeful of ' i their country coming close to winning l the Davis C up. Australia and England will meet in the European zone final on Julv 1/, and a week later the winners will play America. The victorious country will then contest the final with the holders. France. Though Australia have a great opportunity, the chances of the touring team are somewhat disl counted by the lack of experience of j the younger members of the side, Al’Grath, Quist and Turnbull. Nevertheless, with youth on her' side and valuable training in big tennis coming from the Davis Cup excursions. Australia must become a serious contender for the premier honour in the future. Tribute to Crawford. A striking tribute to the prowess of Crawford is embodied in the following article by a writer in the Sydney “ Referee”: “We are entitled, without doubt, to enthuse over the way our champion. Jack Crawford, has confounded his critics,” he begins. “ Crawford has shown by his artistry, finesse, speed, and stinging services, volleys and drives, as well as by his thoughtfulness in planning attack or defence, that he is one of the greatest players who ever handled a racquet. In Aus- i tralia he ranks second only to that j king of the game. Norman E. Brookes, i in. his prime. We have f appreciated Crawford’s greatness* tor years, and have judged him on what ha is able to do rather than by results of matches, in which, at times, he has not shown to advantage. His form , now is at its height, but he will im- | prove and become even greater, for ; he has developed an added severity in , servi. e. and Is employing his volleying ! skill more than he has done in the