New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-09-06

proved severe handicap yesterday.
notwithstanding, Kumagae developed a
magnificent game against the worlds
champion, probably keyed up to an
extra effort by what may be his last
tournament appearance on American
courts.
Tilden's high bounding second serv-
ice to Kumagae's back-hand was a con-
tinual thorn in the latter's side, and a
majority Of Johnston's errors were
made on these returns Of service.
High Speed by Tilden
In the first half of the match Tilden
was not in control Of his first "bullet"
delivery, but in the closing sessions he
began to streak the ball into court at
tremendous speed, running up aces
rapidly on his opponent.
The wonder of Wimbledon" was
also very successful with his sliced
chops. His control was so perfect that
he could place the ball at will, either
short over the net for a fast-dropping
shot, Or clear to the base line. The
ability to use these shots at his pleas
ure also enabled Tilden to rest up
when he felt the pressure growing too
strong.
Against these weapons Kumagae fell
back on fore-hand drives of splendid
depth and with plenty of "top," and
ne did not hesitate at all in forcing
the net when his batteries had opened
up the way. Some of his volleying
returns and smashes of short lobs
were such as to bring thunders of ap-
plause from the gallery.
Tilden Well Within Himself
1t is probable that. had he been
severely pressed, Tilden could have
uncovered something extra in the way
Of spectacular play. do not mean to
intimate that the champion was not ex-
tended yesterday. On the contrary,
Kumagae was travelling at such speed
that Tilden did not dare to let down
in his play until we'll into the third
and final set. when Kumagae's dimin-
ished power was so evident that the
cup defender could safely abandon his
high speed tactics and relapse into
the easier game of slicing chop strokes
from the back Of the court.
But had the Japanese team captain
maintained his pace of the first two
sets Tilden would most likely have
met him more than half way, and then
there would been fre-eating ending
to the match, for the American always
gave me the impression of reserve
power. There is small doubt but that
Tilden is getting more formidable
every day. His enforced rest of al
most three weeks, following his defeat
by Vincent Richards at Providence in
July, has apparently restored all the
lost energy that the national and
worlds champion showed traces of in
the Rhode. Island tourney. To-day
himself yesterday, before going on the
court. that he was keen to get into
action.
Il am feeling better every day." the
worlds title-holder- said.
Mile. Lenglen in Action
In connection with Mile. Lenglen's
appearance yesterday I feel that it is
only justice to the French girl to say
that she volunteered to play in the ex-
hibition match. The. officials of the
United States Lawn Tennis Association
had not been anticipating any such ac-
ton by the young worlds champion,
consequently there was general surpri sc
when note came to the West Side
Club house from Mile. Lenglen yester-
day, addressed to Julian S. Myrick,
president Of the national body, request
ing that arrangements be made to stage
q mixed doubles exhibition match SO
that she could play.
Mathey was quick to volunteer his
services as the French stars partner,
and MRS. Bundy and Davis declared
they would be glad to team up against
this combination, and SO the great
crowd that filled the stands yesterday
had its chance to see the sensational
Girl from Paris" in action. Follow
ing on the heels of the many disap-
pointments she has previously caused
by her failure to play in scheduled
matches. Mile. Lenglen's decision to
appear after the Johnston Shimidzu
match, came with added relish to the
crowd. Has the Lilly of France" seen
the light? Let us hope So