AFTER VICTORIAN MATCH

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12615, 27 November 1926, Page 5

AFTER VICTORIAN MATCH

ANDERSON GOES OVER HIS DECISION CAUSES LITTLE SURPRISE WILL COACH YOUNG PLAYERS J. O. Anderson, champion lawn tennis player of New South Wales, has decided to become a professional. H« explains that he cannot any longer give time to play tennis abroad, as an amateur, and that he feels strongly that it is bis duty to devote more of his time to encouraging and helping the younger generation or Australian lawn tennis stars. Anderson writes to the Sydney Press as follows: “For some considerable time I have felt —for business and private reasons —that X cannot in future participate in championship tennis abroad, but I do feel there is a pressing duty devolving upon me to give more time to the younger and promising players of my own country. “During the past seven or eight years I have spent the greater part of my time in fields abroad. As there is a limited period to every sportsman in tlie heyday of his career, there is not much more time left for me, and therefore I feel there is a pressing duty to perform to devote the remaining portion of my tennis capabilities in trying to encourage, and foster tlie talent which is without doubt in some of our present-day younger players. “I would like the public to clearly understand at this juncture that I am participating in the coming match ag'afnst Victoria at Melbourne at the end of this month, and also in the special match of four a-side against Victoria at the White City on December 10th and 11th. . “At the conclusion of this latter match I will, therefore, cease to he an amateur tennis player.” NOT A SURPRISE J. O. Anderson’s announcement, that he has' decided to follow Suzanne Lenglen, Vincent Richards, and others, is not altogether a surprise (writes M. H. Marsh). Tiio world’s greatest players are unabie, without adequate remuneration, to answer the many calls made upon their time, unless they happen to be wealthy people. Because a man has a genius for a game, there is no reason why it should not he used to obtain an income. I did not blame Suzanno; in fact, I congratulated her, and I do the same now to Australia’s champion. Anderson had promised to play m the inter-State match against Victoria this month, and in the special match in Sydney, on December 10th and lltli, and he will not enter into any contract until after those dates. In that he is wise, because he is playing so well that he will probably prove himself the best player in Australia by defeating Patterson and Hawkes in these matches, and that will be most important to liis future career. It will enable him to demand and obtain a higher price, should other professionals visit Australia, as seems certain, in the near future. MUST FACE POSITION The whole question of professionalism now' will have to bo faced by the Australasian Lawn Tennis Association. Personally, I see no reason whatever why a professional and an amateur should not meet in exhibition matches. F.veuts will have to be created later for professionals, and also for both amateurs and professionals, on our programmes. Any changes will require to be most carefully thought out, and full consideration given to the point of view of the professional, and tho public, as well os that of the amateur. All professionals should he controlled by an amateur body. That, in my opinion, is essential. I hope to see the N.S.W. T.awn Tennis Association secure the services of J. 0. Anderson immcdiatelv they heroine available, ami wish him good luck in bis new 4ol«^