The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1921-03-22
TENNIS CHALLENGE
ROUND IDEA PASSE
It's Elimination May Extend to
Davis Cup Event Be-
fore Long.
ny SAMUEL J. BRooKMAN.

Although England clings to the chat
lenge round idea in its lawn tennis
championships. the practice OF having a
title holder stand out until the tourna-
nlent winner has been decided has been
passe in this country for quite some
time. American tennis officials are now
almost unanimous in the opinion that In
all competitions there is no satisfactory
reason why the champion should not
start on equal terms with the rest of the
field.
1t is because he is a firm believer in
the no-chalenge round idea that Will
lam T. Tilden I'd has requested permits
sion to play through the British tennis
championship at Wimbledon next June.
Tilden has not in mind any desire 10
upset the British tennis precedent His
request is prompted merely by the belief
that he can give a better account OF
himself by playing round after round
than by remaining idle in singles until
the rest of the field has narrowed down
to a single survivor. He believes his
tennis form thrives as a result OF the
tests in the tournament matches. and
that when the final is reached, If he Is
successful In reaching 1t, his tennis has
attained its most effective stage.
clined to believe that Tilden's request
will be denied politely, as the British
Lawn Tennis Association is not ready
to drop its established custom. 1t viii
have the effect, however, of opening uis-
cussion on the question in British tennis
circles and may influence legislation at
their next annual meeting.
There are also indications here OF a
growing sentiment in favor of the elimi-
~ OF tha pba round in the
Davis Cup series as well, and it will
not be surprising If the United States
invites the rest of the tennis playing
nations to consider that step at the con-
clusion of the next International tourna-
ment The proposal, III made. is not
likely to meet with the immediate ap-
prevail of the majority. cup holding
country might have good ground for OBJ
jecting to making a trip to another
continent to defend the trophy. but a
rule permitting that country to select the
site for all of its matches would obviate
that difficulty.
Never has the demand for seat reser-
vations at the British tennis champion
ships been as great as at present. The
tennis office is being swamped with APP
plications and the seating capacity will
have to be doubled IL al. OF the tennis
fans are 10 be accommodated. Inc
All England Club has begun the task
of preparing better accommodations and
plans are being drawn for stands to be
constructed on new ground. Regarding
the difficulty veteran tennis players
have had In getting seats for themselves
and friends the Field OF London says:
MANY lawn tennis veterans come to
Wimbledon with the double object OF
watching the modern Tildens and of re-
newing friendships formed on courts In
all parts of the world. These men are
members of the old guard some of them
are pioneers of the game: their eff0rts
deserve and should receive recognition
At present no seat at the championship
meeting can be guaranteed to men who
have obviously earned preferential
treatment"