The New York herald., 1921-02-21
JOHNSTON RATED
AHEAD OF TILDEN
Australian Tennis Critics Hold
That Californian 0utshOne
Philadelphian.
IN CHALLENGE MATCHES
Spectators Found Much to
Thrill Them in Tourney
Won by Americans.

That Australian critics place william
NJ Johnston ahead CO william T. Til
den Cd in tennis rank is indicated in
the first detailed accounts of the Davis
cup matches received yesterday by the
United States Lawn Tennis Association.
The Antipodeans, judging the American
stars by what they showed in the chal-
lenge matches, were willing to concede
Tilden's greatness, but the conviction
appeared to have spread that Johnston
outshone him throughout the event.
Long, enthusiastic reports of the con-
tests prove that the spectators found
much to thrill them in the tournament
that ended in sweeping triumph for
the Americans
Commenting upon play in the doubles.
the Auckland Weekly Netos says
"Of the four players who took the
court for the opening OF the match, the
one who would be least likely to catch
the eyes of the stranger was w. NJ.
Johnston. His partner, Tilden. with his
suggestion of 1.-THE strength and speed
Patterson. with power and endurance
written all over him: and Brookes.
whose quietly forceful personality is
stamped upon every feature and every
movement. all appeal more Immediately
to the eye. Johnston is small, slight
and obviously retiring Yet he was the
player who dominated the game from
from the opening TO the end. giving a
display of skill, speed and tenacity, ali
applied to the unceasing purpose of at
tack throughout, which was the over
shadowing feature OF the afternoons
play.
"Brookes might work for an opening
with all the craft and experience at his
command, and place the ball as accur-
ately as he would. If it was by any
means within Johnston's territory, John
ston was there ready to return with a
severity which turned defence into i'm
mediate attack. Patterson might smash
his hardest or serve with that tremen-
dous speed that has made his name
known in all tennis playing countries,
but Johnston was prepared to deal with
the offensive, and, thanks to his all
round mastery of strokes and court play
TO succeed with the majority of his re-
turns.
Tilden Great, Johnston Greater.
'Tilden came to this country with .
reputation which outshone that OF his
partner, His showing since he has been
here has enhanced his reputation as n
player of international calibre. But the
conviction has gradually spread that
Johnston and Tilden, rather than Tilden
and Johnston. might be the proper rank
ing of the American pair. The showing
made on the court on Friday gave
weight to that opinion. Tilden's contri-
button to success in the doubles cannot
ne ignored, but neither can II be denied
That his fellow player outshone him"
The American team was entertained at
dinner in Auckland, where they were
hailed as "the finest exponents OF ten
MS in the world" All the visitors made
short speeches, Watson Washburn Of
fered q toast to the memory of the late
Anthony Widlng. Tribute also was paid
TO the Great New Zealander at the open
ing round of the matches. when the
crowd stood silent for a moment in his
honor
Under the heading. "The Best Team
Won" the Netcs quotes several opinions
Of the match. as follows
interviewed after the match Mr.. S.
Hardy. captain of the Americans ex-
pressed his delight al the success of his
team. Mr., Tiden said the finest thing
about the victory was that next year
America would have the Australasian
team there challenging for the cup. Mr.
Brookes. as captain Of the Austria la slams.
said the best team won. Johnston
played great game" he added
Captain Hardy's opinion of the
matches is given as follows:
He said that the matches had pro-
vlded one OF the best Davis cup contests
II Brookes had been younger there
would have been considerable doubt as
70 the result Of his matches both with
Tiden and Johnston Both were close
and kept the crowd on edge all the time
Brookes again demonstrated what a
very wonderful player he was
BroolSes's Fine Tennis.
I'm the match between Brookes and
Iilden there was little 20 choose be-
tMaen the nlaNere hnth nf .,hcr,. .l-n-.-.-.-