LAWN TENNIS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 November 1932, Page 2

LAWN TENNIS

VIVIAN McGRATH

AUSTRALIA’S YOUNG STAR

SYDNEY, November 17.

There is a new star in Australia’s sporting sky, one Vivian McGrath only 17 years of age, -who has astounded everyone by hi s magnificent displays against the American tennis champions who are now touring Australia. Of course, he has not stepped suddenly into the limelight—he has taken part in big tennis far two years now no one expected the brilliance which he displayed when he defeated Wilnier Allison, ranked second in America, hef Saturday. He thrilled a huge crowd as it has never been thrilled before. And it is likely that he will go on thrilling crowds, for it is clear that he is improving with every -match, and is already capable of holding his own with the world’s best. Allison, who has played throughout the world, should be a fine judge, so let him tell hik own story of McGrath’s prowess. “I have never seen a youngster play such fine tennis,” he said immediately after his defeat,, while he was stretched out, thoroughly exhausted. “His lobs were amazing. Henri Cochet, I thought, was the best at that type of game, .but McGrath is hie equal in every respect. He is uncanny.” McGrath ha 8 an amazing backhand stroke, in which- he gripe the racket with both hands, and Allison admitted that he was "tickled to death’’ with it. “He has .a great shot across the .court,” Bays Allison. "It is terrifically fast, placed well, and will always be a «ourc« of wonder to me. He is a great lad, and Australia should be proud of him, far he promises to go a long way in the game. He has everything in him to make a world star, and with a little more experience there is no telling whom h e will beat.” Before he left school McGrath was beating most of the teiyiis stars of Australia, and of these the only one who can be said to he his master is the Davis Cup player, Crawford. Crawford met McGrath soon after' his return from abroad, and he administered a sound defeat. But McGrath has the right temperament; he is full of fight, and he showed this in his memorable match with A'lßson. Why. b e even took a eet from the redoubtable Vines, and Vines will have no' easy battle when he meets McGrath in the first Test match at Brisbane in at week’s time. McGrath has been junior champion of Australia far two years now, and it will not be long, at his present .rate of progress, before he is senior champion as well. He is not a robust youth, and the hard games he has been called upon to play have taken a gre a t deal out of him. For that reason he was unable to take part in the New Sduth Wales championships that are being played in Sydney this week. There is danger of a breakdown in health unless He takes a complete rest.