TENNIS

Hokitika Guardian, 7 June 1927, Page 1

TENNIS

TILDEN AS DEFEAT. [Australian & X'./.. Cable Association.] LONDON] June -3. The Daily News Paris correspondent says: Tilden (the American) succumbed to Lacoste, as the result of one of the hardest games in the history of his career, which lasted for .'it hours, and provided a brilliant display. Tilden’s varied attacks would have unnerved a player less phlegmatic than Lacoste. There were many lengthy rallies, the hall once passing the net sixty-one times. Lacoste. in driving to make a return in the third set. strained a muscle of his leg. lie was scarcely able to hobble during the last three games, hut he recovered after massage, and he brilliantly won the fourth and fifth sets. Tilden cut out his fancy strokes, driving his hardest. He came up to the net, hut Lacoste was unbeatable, and attacked fiercely. He led s—l, and then, with three cannonball serves, which Lacoste did not seem, to see, Tilden levelled the score. Tilden then took the next set. Then, when Tilden was within the match point. Lacoste. despite his leg failing him. recovered, and he led 7 —fi. Tilden next equalised. Lacoste then secured the filteentli sot. but he lost the next two. However, with a perfect smash, he brought the score to 0—!), amid the excitement of a record crowd. Tilden. by double faulting, lost the final set.