TENNIS TROUBLE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10029, 1 July 1910, Page 6

TENNIS TROUBLE.

THE DAVIS CUP. WILDING'S ATTITUDE. CHRISTCHURCH, June 30. Quite a sensation was caused among lawn tennis players in Christchurch last evening by the publication of a statement that Anthony Wilding may not return to New Zealand in time to play in the Davis Cup contest. A private letter from him received in Christchurch states that it is doubtful if his engagements will allow him to be in New Zealand again until after Christmas, and that means, ol course, that if he coes not return the Davia Cup will be played for in his absence. Tennis enthusiasts have naturally been somewhat surprised at the statement, but the cause of his apparent indifference is not far to seek, for he says that if it had been decided to play the Davis Cup matches in Christchurch he would have put every thing else on one aide in order to get back in time. When the decision to play the matches in Wellington was first announced it was rumoured that Wilding would refuse to play in the city, but a definite statement was then made that much as* he desired to play in Christchurch, the fixing of another location would not cause his withdrawal. Now, however, he seems likely to reward the discourtesy with which his request was treated by standing aside. He has a very full programme before him, add in' the not unlikely event of his winning the AH England championship, he will certainly have many inducements to prolong his absence from the Dominion. Without him, of course, New Zealand cannot hope to secure representation in the great contest,

TOE DOUBLES,

LONDON, June 29. In the champion doubles, fourth round, Ritchie and Wilding beat Cleather and Smith, 6—l, 9—7, —4. DAVIS CUP PRELIMINARY,TIE SYDNEY, June 30. A cable message has been received from the English Tennis Association which indicates that it is prepared to discuss terms for playing the preliminary tie of the Davis Cup in Aus-