AT TOP FORM

Evening Post, Issue 126, 29 May 1936, Page 9

AT TOP FORM

DAYIS CUP TEAM

AUSTRALIANS IN AMERICA

(Received May 29, 10.20 a.m.) PHILADELPHIA, May 28. In a special interview, Mr. C. Sproule, manager, of the Australian Davis Cup team, gave the Australian Associated Press Agency an assuring message for transmission to Australia concerning the condition of the team and the prospects of its success in the matches at the coming weekend. The first matter discussed was (he health of the players. He dismissed the injury to McGrath's hand as not having been of any genuine importance and said it was now quite healed. It was then recalled that on the occasion ,of the last visit to Philadelphia Jack Crawford had been, adversely affected by the tremendous heat of the spring, which, with an attack of asthma, had proved extremely enervating and in no small part responsibfe for his inadequate showing in the matches with America. .'■}.' Mr. Sprouxe assured the correspondent ,that Crawford this time is completely free of any signs of asthma and that he has been in splendid health and has acclimatised himself exceptionally well despite alternations of extremely hot and extremely cold weather during-the month of May. "As a matter of fact," he added, "the entire team has conditioned very satisfactorily and unquestionably the players are at top form. The long period of training in Philadelphia I feel has been of the greatest value." Asked whether there was any special theory behind the employment of Vincent Richards as playing coach, he said, "It is only for the purpose of introducing a little variety, and in no way reflected that we were unsatisfied with the manner in which our team was shaping. It iust gave them a little change in the kind of competition they were getting, and toned them up a little." Mr. Sproule sent the following message: "You may say that the team is ready. They are keen for matches, and everything gives us confidence that we will give a good account of ourselves." The team will rest for a few days after the final match and then oroceed to New York, whence they will sail on June 5. Mr. Sproule indicated that whether they will return to the United States for the national singles championships will depend upon the outcome of the weekend matches, and for the present they are making no playing plans beyond these.