THE DAVIS CUP.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1921, Page 7

THE DAVIS CUP.

AUSTRALIAN PRESS COMMENTBy Telegraph.—Press Assn—Copyright. Sydney, Jan. 3. The Telegraph, in a leaderette referring to the Davis Cup, says that a small country, like a small school, cannot hope to always retain the lead in any sport which depended on the efforts of very few players, particularly Wilding and Brookes. The latter's recent fight waft amongst the most honorable in his career. His patience and perseverence. united to skill and judgment, made him the greatest player in the history of the game. The Herald says that admiration unstinted in measure and unqualified by excuse is due to the American team for its remarkable achievement. Even Brookes and "Wilding at their zenith never did better in Davis Cup contests than Tilden and Johnston in 1920. The chief cause of the Australasian disapi pointment was the failure of Patterson, whose triumphs during recent years were seemingly attributable to a type of service to which his opponents were unaccustomed, but presenting no novelty to the Americans. The Cup was won by a nation whose every action in connection with the contests was marked by true sportsmanship. Australasia must look to younger players -to reinstate her in the position of the champion nation.—Aus.-N-Z. Cable Assn. PLAYERS HONORED. TRIBUTE TO “SPORTSMEN.” The two tennis teams are guests at the Grand Hotel, and after dinner on Friday an enthusiastic demonstration was made in their honor. The toast of the Davis Cup players was proposed by Mr. Vernon Reed, M.P. He said they were the finest exponents of tennis in the world, and New Zealand was fortunate in having the opportunity to entertain them. Apart from their excellence as tennis players they had proved themselves good sportsmen, and it was a pleasure to entertain them. The toast, which was coupled with the names of the two captains, was honored witii the greatest enthusiasm by the crowd of between 250 and 300 persons present. The most interesting response was Mr. Tilden’s. He spoke of the hospitality with which the American team had been received, remarking that their reception in Auckland eclipsed even the English hospitality, which was much more than they had expected. They had found their opponents wonderfully good sports, and the spectators very generous.

Mr. Hardy said both Mr. Tilden and Mr. Johnson had specially remarked to him that they had never before played with such an impartial gallery. Mr. Brookes said it had been a pleasure to play with such fine sportsmen. He remarked that when he had opposed the selection of Auckland for the contest he was afraid he had “put his foot in it” with New Zealanders. He had since learned that this was a mistake, and he appreciated the cordial reception they had given him. Mr. Patterson said he regretted he had not made a better showing, but if any of the spectators had stood against Johnston for a few minutes they would have realised what he was up against.

All the other members of the two teams acknowledged the toast. Mr. Watson Washburn then proposed a toast in memory of’ Anthony Wilding, and this was drunk in silence. Interviewed after the match, Mr. S. Hardy, captain of the Americans, expressed his delight at the success of his team

Mr. Tilden said the finest thing about the victory was that next year America would have the Australasian team there challenging it for the cup. Mr. Brookes, as captain of the Australasians. said the best team won. “Johnston played a great game,” he added. VISIT TO AUSTRALIA. AMERICANS GOING OVER. The members of the American and Australasian teams, with Mr. T. H. Hicks, secretary, to the Australasian Lawn Tennis Association, will leaye for Sydney by the Makura next Thursday. The Americans will play a Victorian team at Melbourne on January 13, 14 and 15, and Australia at Sydney the following week. It is’ linger stood that Mr. Johnston will, however, return to America l-> v the Mnkiira. and this will oalv alve him a f«w days in Australia,