PROSPECTS IN ENGLAND

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20183, 27 June 1928, Page 5

PROSPECTS IN ENGLAND

ANOTHER GREAT SEASON. NO IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARD £ Special “Chronicle" Service. ] LONDON, April 26. Everything favours English lawn tennis, and the ‘Wimbledon championships in particular. It is to be feared that there is not much improvement in the standard of play in this country, and yet all the famous players of the world arc to appear during the summer. One reason for this is that, as France are the holders of the Davis Cup, the finals of the tournament will take place in Paris, and the members of those teams who are coming from overseas will naturally find time to compete at Wimbledon. So it is not surprising that the new ground, like that for football at Wembley, is not big enough. Tickets are ballotted for, and how many refusals there were will be realised from the fact that £40,000 had to be returned. In addition to the French and other European players, there will be the Americau and Australiao Davis Cup teams. Once more Tilden is to lead the Americans, and he will be accompanied by F. T. Hunter. Both were here a year ago, and, though Tilden was defeated in the singles, they hold the doubles championship. Gerald Patterson is to captain the Australians. He was champion in 1919 and again in 1922, but, even if he has retained his best form, he will probably be surprised by the advance the French players have made since his last visit. Henri Cochet is the champion, and, like Rene Lacoste and Jen*) Borotra, is a brilliant player. But if French lawn tennis is supreme at the moment, there is nothing to choose between these three players, and it is quite likely that the title will change hands. But I think it will go back to France. The prospects of women’s tenn ; s are just as good. The contest for the Wightman Cup is to be played at Wimbledon, which means that America’s leading players will come over. As a matter of fact. Miss Helen Wills, who, of course, is the leader, has arrived. Miss Elizabeth Ryan, a Californian lady who has lived in this country for many years, will also play for America. The English women are sure to make a bolder show than the men. Unfortunately, Mrs Godfree, or Miss Kitty McKane as she is better known, may not be able to play in either the match or the championship. But ;it will still be possible to place a • very strong side in court. Miss Betty Nuthall is persisting in her overhead service, and. though it has unsettled her game, it is hoped that she will be able to find her best form in time.