TENNIS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2411, 28 January 1909, Page 2

TENNIS.

A-MOaN'D'MHiNfr OF (RULES

Writing on December 11, a Loudon correspondent states: The Lawn Tennis Association will consider on Monday a motion to make LaAV 3 read like ’this : “Tho server shall before commencing to serve stand with both leet at rest on the ground behind (i.e., further from the net than) the base-line and within the limits of tho imaginary continuation of the centre-service and sidelines, and thereafter the server shall not run, walk, hop, or jump before tho service has been delivered,' but the server may raise one foot from (and, if desired, replace it on) the ground, provided that .both feet a/re kept behind the base-line until the service has been delivered.”

Mr P. A. Vaile puts in a word for a distinguished player. He says: “Tho proposed rule, if carried, immediately makes Mr R. >F. Doherty’s service, unless altered, a foot-fault every time. His service is at present ft vory graceful .and effective stroke, and in the time spirit of the game eminently fair. Mr Doherty, having taken his stand, raises his lleft foot and replaces it, continuing Ills swing until, just before striking the ball, his right foot leaves the ground. Under the proposed rule it is obvious that, having taken, his ‘raise’ Avitli one foot, lie cannot do it again Avith his right. This would naturally spoil his service to a great extent, as the would bo 'anchored on his operative side.” ,