DAVIS CUP TENNIS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 23, 19 September 1931, Page 2

DAVIS CUP TENNIS

french supremacy now on the wane young england challenges The genius of Henry Cochet carri.ed France to a successful defence of the Davls Cup against the young, fightlng English team, but the end of. the French relgn Is In slght (writes W. T. Tilden). Jean EJorotra, the mainstay of the French team for years, lost both his slngles matches, and the slgn Is up that he ls passing from the plcture. Even in defeat Bngland covere! ltself with glory and fully proved Jhat its victory over the United States was no accident. Henry W. Austin, by his great stand against Cochet on the first day and his victory over Borotra on the lasi. day, stamps himself second only to the great French genius. Fred Perry, too, showed he is right up with the world leaders. Cochet, and Cochet alone, won the Davis Clup this year for France, aad he is all that to-day remains as a winner from the great team of the "Four Muslceteers." Even in his po m physical condition and lack of play in stern competition this year, Cochet's genius rose to the stimuli of the greatest need, and he produced again anlmheatable team at the most critical moments. I helieve that England twice held point to win the cup, for young Austin led Cochet a set, and twice set poin; to lead two sets to one, which, had he won, probably would have meant the match — all that was needed to rever.se the result.

Evidently Borotra's marvellous attack is weakening as age takes its toll. He seems to he unable to hold his consistency. Too often one hears about him serving double faults at crucial moments, due to lack of physical reserve or failing to put away his volley or overhead when a point might mean victory. • One can but regret the passing of so interesting a flgure and so remarkable a match player, but I fear it 's inevitable that, with his style of game, onee iie starts to slow up he is out t f the picture as a first-class player. Austin and Perry have made a remarkable showing this season, and are, without doubt, among the first five amateurs in the world, possibly in the first three. It must he a source of real pride to Austin to prove so conclusively his stamina and greatness in matches, elearly refuting lils critics, who said he would never he a great champion. I helieve that next year will see a new champion nation crowned. Even Henri Cochet cannot go on single-handed to hold the cup. Will it be England, with Austin and Perry, or the United States, wilh Wood and Shields? Who can tell? Take your choice. I consider it an ahsolutely even proposition. NEW ZEALAND'S CHANCES MAY COMPET.E NEXT YEAR. CONSIDERATION OF COS'T. There appears to be a chance oi New Zealand competing in the next Davis Cup tourney. Mr Foden, a Wellinton delegate, has moved in the matter, and an examination of the position will be made and definite flgures as to the cost submitted to the next meeting of the association. It was pointed out' that the New Zealand Association had £3000 in hand anJ that a levy of ls a player would raise a further £1800. Cost should be no obstacle. With E. D. Andrews and G. Malfroy in England there would be no need to send more than three men. If the tennis players of New Zealand, numbering 36,000, cannot send three men ove'"seas there is something wrong, either with them or else with the management. Every tennis player would he only too glad to help, so if no team is sent the reason can only be lack of enthusiasm on the part of the controlling hody. Gricket and football teams travel overseas and bring credit to their followers; why should not our tennis champions have an opportunity to make good in the world's best company? The players would come back with improved strokes and knowledge of the game. Even if the cup does not come back at the first attempt, the foundation would be laid for that objective at a future date. At present w© have two young players of an age that their tennis could be moulded into something worth while. G. Angas and A. G. Stedman have each won the national cliampionship. Both are capable of rising to heights in any company, and if Don France is also taken the three best we have would not disgrace the Dominion.