A VETERAN TENNIS PLAYER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIV, Issue XXIV, 16 June 1900, Page 1129

A VETERAN TENNIS PLAYER.

Mr. E. G. Meers, the subject of the accompanying- photographs, is one of the best-known and most capable exponents of lawn tennis in the world, and he is certainly the most celebrated player that has ever visited this colony. As he is now in his fifty-second year it goes without saying that he toox up the game late in life, at a. time when most men are preparing to retire from serious play. In spite of his age (I think he began lawn tennis when about 35 years old), and the c'.cse attention required by a large business, he rapidly pushed himself

into the front rank of players at Home, his success being principally’ due to an unerring eye, great powers of endurance, a sound judgment, and a determination to thoroughly master whatever he takes in hand. From 1888 till 1896 Mr. Meers quite held his own with all the best men in England, and among others has in more than one public match vanquished the great W. Renshaw. ft covered court play he has proved almost invincible, and has won the championship on several occasions. He

also was one of the six picked representatives of England in the international match with Ireland for three years, viz.: 1893, 1894 and 1895, his claim for inclusion being considered superior on one occasion at least to no less a player than the late E. Renshaw. His finest effort was when he met Eaves in the penultimate round of the All-England championship of 1895. Eaves was in fine form, and secured the first set. 6—3. Meers then gave a magnificent exhibition, considered by “Pastime” to be one of tlie finest ever witnessed at Wimbledon. He won the second set, 9 —7, ami the third. 11 —9. and on one occasion made a break of 14 consecutive strokes—n. marvellous performance against an opponent of tlie calibre of Eaves. .Meers ied again at 3—o, and held the advantage in the following game, but a smash of his hit the net cord and rolled back, and Eaves won the game. The veteran had then shot his bolt, and condition eventually won the match for his youthful opponent. Meers plays an extremely seietntie

game, and keeps his form to-day for a short match. During his two visits to Auckland he has tried conclusions with our .best local players, and though short of practice, has generally more than held his own. As an authority on the theory of the game he is probably unrivalled, and to spend an evening with him is a liberal lawn tennis education.