TENNIS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19478, 26 December 1925, Page 5

TENNIS

STARS REVIEWED BY TILDEN GLORY OF SUZANNE. NEW YORK, Dec. 8. At the risk of incurring the* dislike and disapproval of other players, I find it interesting at the close of any season to take a hasty glance at the general trend of the game and the improvement or retrogression of the various stars, writes William Tilden in an exclusive article to “The Sydney Sun.” Billy Johnston had a great season. His was a wonderful comeback. He is as good as ever. Many people think Richards slipped, but I would say that he stood still. Jean Borotra had a wonderful year. There was a great increase in his confidence. and technique. Gerald Patterson made a big comeback that placed him once more among the very best. Anderson’s retrogression was very marked, due primarily to ill-health and the unavoidable circumstances —family sorrow. Rene Lacoste marked the early season with improvement that didn’t quite hold till the end of the year. He is a great player now, and is destined to be still greater. Manuel Alonzo made a decided improvement, due to more consistent control and temperament.

Harada was the outstanding improvement of the whole year. He is one of the most dangerous players Japan has produced. Norris Williams was erratic but brilliant. Howard Kinsey had a year’s stagnation, while Norton possibly made a slight advance. George Lott was the disappointment of the year after a wonderful start. Chapin was marked by careless lapses. Snodgrass had a poor season, ending dismally. Wallace Johnson is slipping. Casey’s splendid work was marred by illness. Lenglen’s Greatest Year. Suzanne Lenglen had the greatest season ever known by any player. She not. only staged a comeback, but actually surpassed anything achieved in previous years. Her’s was a superlative performance and all must hail her as being beyond criticism. Helen Wills had a rather uncertain season, showing bad spots, yet she rose to greater heights than ever before. Kathleen McKane had a wonderful season. She is one of the world’s great stars, but. was unfortunate in the draw in big tournaments. Elizabeth Ryan had a fine season, and fully held her own. or has gone ahead.

Mrs. Mallory made a magnificent comeback and is once more among the topnotchers. Joan Ery showed sensational improvement that carried her to the very top flight. Mrs. Chambers is still amongst the greatest stars. The whole tennis year was the greatest in the history of the game. Certainly nobody can deny Suzanne her position on the solitary glory peak. J understand she may accompany the French team to America next year. Helen Wills is going to Paris in the new year to meet Suzanne on her own court's on the Riviera and should she defeat the French marvel there I would regard it as little short of a miracle.

SIDE-LINE! TILDEN, COMEDY STAR NEW YORK. Dec. 17. William T. Tilden, the world’s tennis champion, will play the leading part in ‘‘The Kid Himself,” a satirical comedy of New York life, which will open on Broadway in January. Marjorie Daw will be the leading lady. PROS. IN TENNIS ABORTIVE DISCUSSION LORD DESBOROUGH’S HOPE LONDON, Dec. 14. The English Lawn Tennis Association has recommended to the International Federation that, the ball should be between 2* and - 5-8 inches diameter. An abortive discussion occurred on the proposal to amend the amateur rule admitting professionals in other sports. Several speakers pointed out that professionals were able to participate in practically all games except tennis. Others, on the other band, favoured a tightening of the rule. It. was announced that the profits of this year’s Wimbledon tournament were £7OOO. Lord Dcsborough, who presided, referred to France winning all five championships at Wimbledon, and said: “God bless the French, but I hope they won’t always do it.’’