LAWN TENNIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 August 1922, Page 3

LAWN TENNIS.

AUSTRALIANS IN AMERICA SOME INTERESTING GAMES. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Aug. 3, 10.15 p.m. New York. August 3. Much surprise was caused at the Seabright tournament when Hunter defeated Patterson C 2, 6 3. William Johnston defeated Anderson 6—2, B—6. Hunter, who is not ranked in the official United States tennis list, outplayed the Australian, who was decidedly off his game. Anderson fought hard, but Johnston, who ranks second to Tilden, played brilliant tennis. Williams defeated Gobert 17—15, 6—3. in doubled, Couchet and Borota defeated Ward and Darts 7-S, 3-6, Yencken and Major defeated Patterson and Wertheim 4—% 9—7 ; Anderson and Johnston defeated Lamed and Davis 6—l, 6—2. THE WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP. Discussing G. L. Patterson’s defeat of JO Anderson for the world’s championship, "Austral,” in the Referee says:— - The English wirters who compose the cables foreshadowed a wl B tor Anderson because ot "his quieter methods.” and it will be interesting to read their accounts. Of course nothing succeeds like success. Patterson’s methode have the merit always of courage. He is prepared to take risks, and the English critics would prefer the methods of Anderson, because his are more like the methods of the English players, and are more easily understood. Frankly, I like Anderson’s better myself. When Tilden defeated Patterson in 1919 there was much belittling of Patterson’s methods ; but he has again triumphed, and, as far os is known, with much the same defects of style that he had then. A material difference is his far greater freedom from careless errors. At one time he threw away strokes with reckless abandon, but Anderson’s severe play cured him of that. The final conclusion most pleasing to us all 1# that the two players have met the best men in Europe, and reached each other after conouering such players as Norton, Kingscote, Gobert and P. O'Hara Wood. It matters little which is the better. Both are near the very summit of the. game, and on such players Australia can confidently rely to make a very strong bid for the Davis Cup in the coming weeks, and may well, when the challenge round is pia>ed. defeat even the great Americans, W. T. Tilden and W. M. Johnston. So far this year it can be said that only Australians can defeat Australians. Beyond all question Tilden and Johnston are the only players in the world who could to-day be expected to defeat either Patterson or Anderson. On the records they are still superior to our men, but we have hopes, and when the challenge round comes Australia will be there. MDLLE. LENGLEN’S REVENGE. Mdlle. Lenglen has had to wait a full year for her chance to avenge the defeat in America by Mrs. Mallory; but when her chance ■ came on Saturday last she certainly took full : measure by winning at. 6—2, 6 —o. By so j doing she has once again established herself ! as the undoubted and superlative champion of i the world, and the greatest lady player the j world has ever seen. There may be. and there undoubtedly are, several players amongst ■ the men whose title to that distinction is ■ disputed. The title lies between Dr. Pim, R. F. Doherty, H. L. Doherty, Norman Brookes, W. A. Larned. Anthony Wilding. M. E. McLoughlin, W. M. Johnston, W. T. Tilden and Gerald Patterson (the order is historical in sequence). But there is only one Mdlle. Lenglen. Not even the American fans, who literally and practically hounded down (tiie term is none too strong) the little French ladylast year, would dare now deny her this title over their own champion. Mrs. Mallory, it should be added, was in no way responsible for the hostile American remarks. She simply played and won. and said nothing. This year she has, in turn, in one week beaten the three other best players in the world, Miss MeKane, of England. 6—l, 7—5 ; Miss Ryan, of California, 6—l, B—6 ; and Mrs. Mallory, of America. 6—2, 6—o. The last score Shows fcetaßsffi tm reveag*.