AUSTRALIA AND THE DAVIS CUP

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 47, 25 February 1939, Page 4

AUSTRALIA AND THE DAVIS CUP

SELECTION OF THE TEAM NATIONAL COUNCIL ERRED, SAYS A CRITIC

Interest of the Australian tennis world was focused upon the National Council meeting in Melbourne on February 13. Unfortunately, tennis enthusiasts will learn little of the deliberations concerning the Davis Cup selectors’ recommendations for this team. It was the main business of the meeting, and was of intense interest to all tennis followers, but the Press representatives were excluded. Why? asks the Sydney Referee. After a two and a-quarter hours’ meeting in camera, Mr. N. E. Brookes (chairman) formally announced the personnel of the 1939 Davis Cup team to the Press squad, as follows: J. BROMWICH (N.S.W.) A. K. QUIST (Victoria). J. CRAWFORD (N.S.WJ

H. HOPMAN (Victoria), captainmanager. The team will sail on May 22, presumably by the Mariposa, leaving Sydney on this date. After weeks of intense interest, punctuated with varying rumours regarding the personnel, it is somewhat of an anti-climax for the Australian tennis public that the matter should virtually fizzle out behind closed doors at the eventful council meeting. At a similar meeting last year the Press representatives were not barred, and it seems strange that they were excluded this year. It is quite possible that the National tennis body has good reason for imposing the embargo, but it must result in disappointment to the majority of tennis followers.

A Wise Decision I heartily approve of the fact that no young players have been selecteu to accompany the team for experience, writes "International,” in the Referee. This year's four is one oi vital importance, because Australia's prospects of winning the Cup are exceptionally bright. Hopman, as captain-manager, will have a full-ttime job looking after the requirements of the players in order to get them into very best form and physical condition. Every possible means must be exploited by Hopman to achieve this purpose. So much so, that I consider he must sacrifice —if necessary—any other ambitions he may have for this tour. Hopman has plenty of work and worry ahead of him on this vital Davis Cup trip—notably the foot-fault menace. I am exceedingly pleased to see that he will not be handicapped by the additional worry of young promising players making their first trip abroad. Selectors Have Erred Messrs. Brookes, Clemenger, and Robinson, in my opinion, made a serious mistake in limiting the team to four representatives. With so much at stake, four players, with a man specially qualified as manager, should have comprised the team.