Norman Brookes on Anthony Wilding

Horowhenua Chronicle, 31 May 1915, Page 2

Norman Brookes on Anthony Wilding

The Australian Referee gives the following:— "Anthony Wilding killed on action in the north of France," just a bald statement, but what a multitude of thoughts it gives rise to. Firstly, one of surprise, and then doubt, and later as the cold fact sinks into one's brain, that of grief and pain, but last of all conies the feeling of pride in that ho died nobly lighting for the welfore of his country. f

Poor Tony—it is hard indeed to realise that he has passed away. No finer sportsman ever set foot on a tennis court. Without doubt one of the finest specimens of manhood physically, he was blessed as well with an ability and steadfastness of character that helped him to reach the highest pinnacle in the lawn tennis world, and his bright and cheery nature made his beloved by all followers of the game.

As a tennis player lie was perhaps seen to best advantage on the head courts of the Continent, but take him year in and year out on any kind of court lie was usually numbered one in th© tennis world. - Perhaps not so brilliant as Mc Loughlin nor so subtle as Robert Barrett, ho however posseted that fill perl) correctness in all his stroke production that marked him out as the mnsfeer player. Tennis followers the world over will mourn his loss, and more especially we in Australia. I shed a tear in memory of the many happy days we spent together in the struggle for the Davis Cup.—Norman E. Brookes. 15/15