The New York herald., 1922-02-07
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS
CIRCLES CONFIDENT
America's Reserve Strength
Fails to Impress Member of
Davis Cup Team.
BY SAMUEL j. BRooKMAN.

In the opinion of John B. Hawkes.
member of the Australian team that
played In the international tournament
here last summer, the Davis Cup ap-
pears fairly safe for America SO Ionr
| as both William II. Tilden and William
NJ Johnston remain in the game. With
out them, however. Hawkes. writes in
the Sydney Rcferec. the United States
probably would have TO rclinquish its
possession of the trophy in short order.
Tho conclusion to be drawn from
Hawkes's observations is that he was
not overly impressed with Americas re-
serve tennis strength, and neither he
was. "One is surprised to find such a
big gap after Johnston and Tilden, and
then yet another gap between Vincent
Richards and the rest of the leading
players" he says
Whether Americans are inclined TO
agree with Hawkes. or not the fact re-
mains that there Is unusual confidence
in Australian tennis circles anent the
international tennis situation. Hawkes.
indicates that Norman Il. Brookes,
Gerald Patterson, O'Hara Wood and
James Q. Anderson will represent Aus
tralia in the Davis Cup tournament this
year, and adds that they are practically
certain to reach the challenge round.
Women Disnppoint.
Hawkes. also expressed his disap
rontment at the caliber of womcn's
tennis in this country. after three or
four leading players, think our women
would hold their own" is his verdict
In part the Australian writes as fol-
lows: "One is surprised to find that
America, without Tilden. Johnston and
Richards, seems to be pregnable. They
seem to be in n position to keep the
Cup so long as Tilden ana Johnston rc-
main in the game, but the question IS.
How long will they last? Both men,
newspapers have stated, have definitely
announced their retirement; but this is
nonsense, as it is known fact that If
selected, both will be there fighting for
America in the challenge round ncNt
summer
What cf the rest? Richards alone
stands out. but he is certainly foruii-
dable, and looks a big stuinblin block to
future Davis Cup challengers.
People will say: What about Wash
burn., Wallace. Johnson Murray. Gar
land, Davis. Mathey. VoshelI. and, last
but not least. Williams" Well, VIC shall
take the last first, as Williams undouht-
edly stands out from them. On bis day
he is one one of the finest Davis Cup
players. but what risk to put such
player into a challenge round. He can
beat everybody and get heaten by any
body, and that Is the reason ] consider
him doubtful man for the American
Davis Cup team.
"Washburn and Johnson are particu
larly solid players. not easily beaten.
but are they likely to improve much?
It is doubtful, as their style OF play does
not allow for very much Improvement.
'Of the remainder, they seem a little
short of Davis Cup requirements. And
the same may be said of all the younger
players. One is surprised to find such
big gap after Johnston and Tilden, and
then yet another gap between Richards
and the rest of the leading players. or
course, this discussion is only for future
Davis Cup matches, as at present there
is not much difference in tournament
play between Williams, Richards, John
son and Washburn.
AustrnIia's Next Team.
Australia will have an opportunity
next year. If. say. Brooks, o'Hara
Wood. Patterson. and Anderson so
across. And though the cup may not
return to u.s. this team reads as a GER
tainty for the challenge round.
Looking at Americas Davis Cup
prospects in another way one can't help
SeelflE now t1eT success may DC at
tanned. 1t is plainly the younger players
they have TO look to. and their manner
of encouraging the youngsters is highly
commendablc. In every park one finds
about dozen courts, which any boy
can use provided he has a racket. Balls
nets and other materials are supplied by
the Government. and special men are
quick to see any likely talent. All the
boys through America arc given great
opportunities. and the founder of this
great plan is our old friend Samuel
Hardy. IL only tho game was taken up
III our own schools in Australia. and
with the same zest. II would give us an
opportunity OF having a chance 10 find
real Davis Cup talent.
"One is disappointed. too with the
American women players, as after three
or four leading players 7 think our
own women would hold their own. We
we're unfortunate i'm missing Mrs. Nal
lcry. but lucky enough TO catch u glimpse
of Miss Mary X Browne. Her volley-
ing and smashing are simply an eye
opener and her style OF play could not
be improved.
America has undoubtedly a. coming
rival NO Suzanne Lenglen In the person
OF Miss Helen Wills, OF San Francisco.
Only n girl OF Is. she is gifted with all
the necessary strokes and is not far
from the top rank now. We had the
pleasure of playing with her at San
Francisco. and her coolness and Keen
ness TO improve marks her out as
champion of the future"