Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-05
HARMED MAY co
TO AUSTRALASIA
May Be Induced to Accompany
Americas Team to Antip-
odes-Needed to Help
Bring Back Cup:

NEW YORK. October "A determined
effort will be made to have William A.
Larned. the American lawn tennis singles
champion, give his consent to making the
trip to Australasia with the two other
players who are certain to 60 after the
Davis trophy. 1t has been intimated that
Larned was wavering in his decision
about the trip. Earlier in the year it
was announced positively that he would
not 60 But the outcome of the prelimi-
nary matches at Longwood has put an
entirely different face the matter.
Larned won his two matches in fine style.
beating as good player as Richie in
way that stamps him as the best man
here.
Beals Wright, on the other hand, did
not play up to the mark. He seems to
merit the English criticism that he never
has been the same man since he met
with that accident In 1903 at the Crescent
Athletic Club grounds. In his match
with Parke he displayed courage enough.
but no one ever doubted that he had
courage. He should have been able to
dismiss a player like Parke in shorter
order. according to the views of the ex-
perienced observers who saw the match.
Being beaten by Richie in straight sets
raises a great question whether 1t is fair
to this country to send team to Aus
Wright. leaving at home the country's
best man in singles.
Needs Persuasion.
AS a matter of fact many persons who
saw the Longwood matches question
strongly the wisdom of embarking. on the
trip If Larned were left at home Great
pressure will be brought to bear on the
champion for that reason. If he can be
persuaded to go along there are many
who feel confident that this country will
be successful in its attempt to regain the
International lawn tennis trophy.
Larned with growing years has shown
greater ability to rise to emergencies.
He is not SO easily thrown off his poise,
and certainly he played increasingly bet
ter tennis as the issue seemed to be going
against him. It is not that Wright is in
capable Of playing great tennis, but
there is something wrong with him, and
there has been ever since 1905, which
prevents him rising to the heights he oc-
cupied in 1905 and just before that year.
Alexander Uncertain.
To leave the singles in part to Alex
ander might not result we'll for this coun-
try. Alexander Is often of the most bril-
liant in his play. but he is often unsteady
in crises. That is not the dependable
type needed for important matches in
which almost any conditions may arise.
Still 1t is believed that Alexander and
Wright will make a splendid pair. Wright
is good as the best doubles part
ner, and Alexander always is better with
some one in the court with him.
1t Is expected that an announcement of
the makeup Of the team will not now
be long delayed. The program is to have
the players sail from Vancouver early
this month. SO that no great amount Of
time remains. There is a very decided
feeling among lawn tennis followers that
Larned must be included. Larned has
played in ten Davis cup matches WIN
ming six of them. Wright has won in
four of six matches that he has played
in singles and has been on the winning
side three times out of four in doubles.
Alexander and Hackett are newcomers In
International competitions.