The New York herald., 1921-01-07
SPAIN FIRST WITH
TENNIS CHALLENGE
Dons Cable Yankees Desire to
Play in Davis Cup
Tourney.
OTHERS TO FOLLOW SOON
March Is Is Set as Last Day
for Entering international
Struggle.
OTHERS TO FOLLOW SOON

No grass will be permitted to grow
under the feet of Americas lawn tennis
Titans. That their brilliant triumph
over Australasia's S standard bearers in
the challenge round for the Davis Cup
was only the inaugural Of another and
perhaps even more severe campaign in
the defence OF the famous trophy was
demonstrated yesterday when the United
States Lawn Tennis Association re-
ceived a cabled challenge for the cup
from Spain.
The challenge from Spain will be the
signal for the firing of a grand salute
from all directions, as England no
doubt will follow in a few days. with
Australasia, France, Holland, South
Africa. Belgium, Japan, Canada and
perhaps Serbia TO be heard from before
March Is. the limit date set for chal-
lenges for 1921.
The first challenge comes from the
Spanish Lawn Tennis Association. with
headquarters at Madrid, and declares
that confirmation is on its way by mail
Spain does not expect to win the cup
but it does hope 10 make a good show
Ing and give the game in that country
a big impetus. Spain sent a team to
the British championships at Wimble-
dOi laSJ anu Wlllle the eApeIlS
from the land of the Dons were elimi-
mated in the early rounds, some of them
played fine tennis. The Lorenzo brothers
are the leading Spanish exponents.
The challenge marks Spain's entry
Into International tennis circles. 1t
never has played for the Davis Cup,
nor has ii. with the exception of it's
representation at Wimbledon, taken
part in any leading events in Europe
As Paul Williams, field secretary of
the United States Lawn Tennis Associa-
ton, took pains to emphasize yester-
day, the association does not care how
fast the challenges come. In fact, the
faster they come the better will the
Yankee officials like IT, for they want
10 put the Davis Cup programme in
shape as soon as possible.
The L. s. l.. 4. A. has sent letters to
all the national and provincial assoc!a-
tions which have to do with challenging
for the cup urging early notification of
Intention to compete for the trophy. It
desires to obviate the uncertainty and
late challenges which held up the cup
tournament plans in 1920. The letter
reads as follows:
In view of the fact that America has
had the good fortune to win the Davis
Cup, the United States Lawn Tennis
Association, under the regulations gov
erning the contest. must assume the
IDdndBeTncnl OF the n9LCneS III lSzl.
The first essential for the success of
these contests is. of course. challenges
from the tennis playing nations OF the
world. IT is our earnest hope that all
countries interested in this event will
challenge for the cup in 1921. and, in ad-
d!tion, should the draw make IL con-
venient. that the preliminary ties be
played in the United States. -
The revised regulations require all
challenges to reach the champion nation
not later than March Is in the year OF
the competition. Conforming to the
policy announced when our assent was
given to the acceptance OF belated en-
tries in 1s20-due TO extraordinary con-
ditions-we are of opinion that this rule
should be adhered to strictly and that
we should not accept challenges re-
ceived after March 10. 1t would be very
gratifying TO us to receive a challenge
from your association at the office OF
the l.. s. L. r. A., 20 Broad street, New
York city. by mail or cable before that
date. Our cable address (telegraphic
messages) is "USLAWTENIS," New
York and the a G code, sixth edi-
ton. is used.
In the United States 1921 promises to
be the most successful season we have
had. and it Is our hope that this condl-
tion prevails throughout the world. We
would consider ii q privilege to enter
tain a team from your country next
summer. not only from the standpoint
Of promoting international tennis, but
also from the standpoint of cementing
the bond of friendship between the two
nations"