LAWN TENNIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 November 1926, Page 5

LAWN TENNIS.

PROFESSIONAL STUNT. SUZANNE’S FATE. ('From Our Own Correspondent.) London. Oct. 7. Whilst the French Davis Cup lawn tennis team were in America they were all pestered to become professionals, and join Suzanne Lenglen's lour. Their reply was; ‘’We are not for sale.” It is perhaps not surprising that no English player, man or woman, has been offered terms, because it is doubtful whether there is one good enough. But even if one had been forthcoming, an offer would hardly have been accepted, because the whole business is regarded as a “stunt.” which must come to a speedy end. What will become of the professionals, then? Probably, having got their price, ami being satisfied, they have not troubled to consider. The whole business has been ill-con-ceived, and unless, as 1 strongly suspect, the players are simply to be exploited for the films, it will be a sorry financial failure. It is certain at any rate that Suzanne Lenglen, Vincent Richards, and the others have burnt their lioats. If they had ever a thought that they would be permitted to compete with amateurs in open tournaments it has quickly been rudely dispelled. It was ridiculous to imagine that the authorities would allow amateurs, or even the game, to be used for private gain. The best hope the new professionals could have had was that players would follow their example in wholesale numbers. Not only is there no likelihood of this happening, but the promoter of the tour has been able to get the necessary number of players only by paying extravagant prices. And when the tour comes to an end. as it will <io faster than is perhaps expected I-englen and her colleagues will either fade into obscurity outside the game, or become coaches.