TENNIS NOTES

Ladies' Mirror, Volume I, Issue 9, 1 March 1923, Page 14

TENNIS NOTES

Visit of the N.S.W. Team

TV7HAT was probably the most in- ™ teresting match in the history of ladies’ tennis in New Zealand, took place at the Thorndon Courts, Wellington, on January 12th and 13th, when the New Zealand Team met New South Wales. Last year the New Zealanders headed by Miss Nancy Curtis — journeyed to Sydney, and were defeated by New South Wales, 8 matches to 4. It was thought by many that this defeat was partially due to the difference in the courts and atmospheric conditions. However, the Australian players have decisively shown their superiority, and in the return match in Wellington, won by 11 matches to 1 — and that one was defaulted. The New Zealand players chosen to play were: Miss Marjorie Macfarlane (Auckland), Mrs. ScottWatson (Auckland), Mrs. Hodges (Auckland), and Miss Arita Howe (Wellington). Although the New Zealanders did not actually win a match, they were by no means disgraced, many of the games being keenly contested throughout, and some excellent tennis was played. Most praise is undoubtedly due to Miss Marjorie Macfarlanc, who, as first player, rose to the occasion and showed herself capable of first-class tennis, although lacking in the experience and finish of her opponents. Her game against Miss Lance was an excellent performance, and she was many times within a point of victory, although ultimately defeated by two sets to one. The only other single which produced a really first-class contest was that between Miss Gray and the Wellington girl champion, Miss Howe. Every game was full of interest, and the result might very easily have been reversed. In the doubles, the New Zealanders undoubtedly suffered from lack of

combination. Here the older players showed their experience, and it is to Mrs. Scott-Watson and Mrs. Hodges to whom the praise falls. It was through their efforts many times that their partners were able to finish off rallies with brilliant strokes. Here again, though, the Australians were infinitely superior, and their combination, together with accurate and brilliant tennis, resulted in four victories. Invitation Tournament at Christchurch HpHIS tournament was played at Christchurch on January 19th and 20th, and once again the New South Wales players were successful. In order that players from the South Island should benefit by the experience, the New Zealand Association arranged this tournament. Players representing the various provinces were invited, including four North Island girls. Those playing were: Misses Partridge, Wright. Ferrier and Green (Canterbury) ; Misses Sparrow and McLaren (Otago) ; Miss Edie (Southland) ; and Mrs. McCarthy (West Coast) ; Misses Macfarlane, Howe, Fenwick and Clark (North Island), and Misses Lance, Lloyd, Gray and Mrs. Lascclles (New South Wales). The tournament was a great success, and all the games were interesting. Misses Macfarlane and Howe showed improved form in defeating Misses Lloyd and Gray respectively in the singles. This gave a new life to the interest in the singles, and the meeting of Miss Lance and Miss Macfarlane, eventually, in the final was watched keenly. The result in favour of Miss Lance, 6 6— l, was undoubtedly due to her greater command of the ball. She showed herself a champion indeed, and the variety of shots she used was an education to the majority of lady players.

The final of the doubles, between the four N.S.W. players, produced some wonderful tennis. Seldom, if ever, in New Zealand, has there been played a ladies’ double of such high standard. There were none of the dull and monotonous rallies of backline play, so often the case in a ladies’ double. From start to fi: ish the tennis was crisp and clean, and all four players were in good f rm. The game resulted in a win for Miss Lance and Mrs. Lascelles, B—6,8 —6, 3 —6, 6—l. TENNIS TECHNIQUE Advice to Women Players lyfß. J. O. Anderson, speaking to a gathering of women tennis players in Sydney recently, stressed the necessity of cultivating the volleying game. “Our ladies,” he said, “have a tendency to remain too much in the back of the court, instead of coming in to the net. Backline play is much more tiring than playing in at the net, and gives your opponents too much time to make their shots, whereas a winning volley or ‘drop’ shot can be often made if you are close to the net.” Mr. Anderson dwelt on the necessity of coolness. “One of the worst features of our women’s play,” he said, “is their habit of rushing their shots too quickly, instead of taking their time and hitting the ball where they want to.” In support of this advice he instanced the style of Mdlle. Suzanne Lenglen, “the champion woman player of the world.” Mdlle. Suzanne always endeavoured to keep cool, play her strokes with precision, and let her opponent do all the running about and make all the mistakes. “Don’t play to the gallery,” went on Mr. Anderson. “Any girl with a ‘swollen head’ will never get far in tennis, because the necessity for concentration on the shots is too great. It is all very well to get in a pretty gallery shot, but what about the other twenty shots missed in try-

ing to play for show. It does not pay, and it docs not wm matches. jjci J , Cl 11VI u UUCO 11UL will 111 CV In regard to service, Mr. Anderson advised his audience not to rush it. “You have your own time in which to serve, so take it quietly and hit the ball right at the top of its flight when you toss it up.” Mr. Anderson pointed out the value of temperament in tennis. “A calm, equable temperament is essential to success in the game,” he said. “You must keep up your spirits and keep putting the balls back over the net, even though the game is going against you. “Our ladies are frequently making the mistake of not looking where they arc serving to. Fix your eye on a spot in the service court, and try to lob the ball as close to it as you can. A good point in serving is to place it on your opponent’s backhand, as, generally speaking, this is the weakest spot in the Australasian ladies’ style of play. “This is due to the fact that whereas the forehand drive is a natural stroke, the backhand stroke has to be cultivated and practised. The American players have paid a lot of attention to backhand shots, and in this department arc the strongest players in the world. “The correct action for smashing is to strike the ball when it is above the head, much the same as when serving. The arm should be extended to its full length in order to put pace into the shot. Correct timing is necessary, in order to keep the ball in the court and to ensure speed.” To Cleanse Tennis Balls HPENNIS balls that are discoloured by being used in wet weather can be given a new lease of life if treated in the following way:— The balls should be scrubbed with hot water, in which a little ammonia has been dissolved, and, when quite clean, dried with a soft cloth, and left in the open air for a short time. They should not be put in cold water before being scrubbed.