The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-06-09

learned to depend upon his partner. How
ever, he has made great improvement in the
game of doubles even In a month or so, and
with some more coaching from Wright ho
may be able to play effectively when they
get into the preliminary with Australia.
The history Of the selection and early
practice OF the Davis cup team this year
has been a chronicle Of reyeTses and dis
appointments: Earlier in the year it war
figured out that Wright, Behr, Alexander
and Clothier would go as members Of the
team. Failing these men, Little, captain
of the team last year. was counted upon,
or, il not Little, a team made up OF Wright,
Behr and Harold II. Hackett was coniec.
tions came TO naught, however, when the
international committee began TO .ge'
replies from the men who Ind been asked
if they would go il they were asked.
Glothier. Alexander, Larned, Hackett,
able to go. Little was extremely doubt
full, his departure being contingent on his
fathers consent. That since has been
refused, ii is understood, 10 that Little
could not be counted upon. II resolved
Behr. There were some reports ema-
mating from unreliable sources that under
the conditions the challenge would be
withdrawn. That. however, was killed
at once by an emphatic denial from the
committee. 1t was given out TO I've UNI
derstood that a team certainly would go,
and that il there were no more players
to be bad than Behr and Wright, theu
they would he sent.
Added to the lack of enth usiastiC response
10 its canvass the committee facet the a.
verse weather. In Boston, Philadelphia
and New York the players worked in
chilly weather and were held up for several
days in each place because OF rain. They
ave not had any really good practice thus
fan. The men who have played against
them have been good enough to extend
them, and the matches between Wright
and Behr have been high class. But what
they needed was hot weather Of the kind
TO get them into shape properly. In spite
OF the bad weather they have succeeded
in getting. into good trim, and those VINO
have watched Wright, especially. say that
he * the Wright OF 1895. the season when
ne was at the height. of his game. Behr
who has grown much steadier since last
yea, also is playing a strong game. He is
brilliant at times and the reverse NJ others.
but by degrees he il approaching even
ness OF play, He will. of course. approach
that more nearly as he grows older,
However taken all in all. Amer cnns are
not disposed to be at all despondent over
the chances 81 the team. They feel sure
that IL they do not do well in doubles
the two players will be strong in singles.
In fact, taking the general opinion of lava
tennis men hereabout, the trophy will he
regained more than likely through the
vi 81 Ciilklt0 II nIlRIN u u E''A O.
he was in 1905, as many persons say he
viii beat Brookes and Wilding, too. There
Is more than half a chance that one " the
Australians will meet Behr when that
young man is playing the full strength Of
his dashing game, and in that case he Should
win at least one OF his matches. In that way
the Australians are to be disposed Of, lawn
tennis men say.
1t ought logically to be the same case
in the final round. The English repre-
m ~ 49, III - 9 A-atYL
and F. L, Rtseley. The former is accounted
the crack player OF England in singles
Riseley, while not 90 good as Smith, ls
nevertheless a strong player. They are
the all England doubles champions -
in that at line. Il ought Se ' tben Ho 20 be 'ae case ss Of
winning three out Of four singles ma,che;
against the holder, granted that Behr and
Wright and possibly Clothier get that fer
One thing 10 certain. Judged frofn Their
play recently and In time gone by the Amer.
are fighters. They will go against
the men they meet with all the fercenees
and dash they can muster, and when they
get going right they will be very hard 20
In the doubles matches they have
played in this country, they have MADE
skill, and awe in that way pulled on
victories over some other players COM
TO he much better.
The United States is not 40 unfortunate
~ tie CllolVP OF players 10 reIl'NrH. 49,
Wright has be5a q prominent fg Ar" m
tennis for several seasons an Amer
lean champion and a very capable plHy"r
when fit. Rchr il the most prouir"n' ~
younger contingent Of player. "nc
who made a brilliant record for hi'nsoIi
last year and who is regarded ~ "%er'a'h
within a few seasons TO DO the national
champion. The players will have o long
term In England. They will he th"r" thr'"
weeks before the Australians have a. h"
met and Will have time to become a'ris-
TONED in the change in climate.
They will have some time IN wh''h 10
improve on their earlier play sui mo
matches coming much later this year lt"n
before they should be in touuutch I'f'n
them, Those who nave the %soie".'"'
and care OF tho team in hand sre NOT T"T'
ing. There i- a chance that Tho rophT
ohered in 1000 and taken away from hon n
1908 may he brought back again,
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