Evening star., 1923-09-30

believe that he would lose to Rich
ards four out of five times, Just as
believe that Anderson would fall before
Johnston should they have a series OF
matches. Richards played below his
normal form throughout the match with
Hunter, while the latter was fully half
fifteen ahead of his game from the
start.
Grass Bothers Alfonso.
Alfonso does not perhaps. deserve
sixth place when one considers his sad
showing on grass during August and
September. but players are ranked on
their record through the year, and TIL
den considers the Spaniard almost un-
beatable on hard courts. Alfonso learned
the game on clay, and 1t Is on this sur
face that he has made such a remark
able record this season. He is the
only man who has defeated Tilden this
year in tournament play, and several
times he has played him five-set
matches. I doubt whether Alfonso ever
will wholly adapt. his game to a grass
surface, but he is unquestionably one
of the finest hard court players in the
world today, in spite of his volatile
temperament.
Norton said to me the other day that
he hoped he would not be ranked in
America this year. as he had broken
training after Wimbledon and felt that
he had not done himself justice in our
turnaments. How well. he, can. play
shown at Germantown. when he beat
Williams by fine all-round play and
made even Tilden exert himself.
His showing there and his numerous
wins abroad seem to me to entttle him
to membership in the great first ten
of the world. II Norton remains in this
country, as he now expects to do, we
shall, perhaps. be able to form a more
just estimate of his powers at the close
of next season. AT the present time he
DrinNina1ly noted IA
of his back court game, especially on tho
left court. but he has demonstrated that
he can volley low balls well, his weak
ness being overhead shots and service.
Australians Dangerous.
A year ago should have ranked Pat
terson higher on the list than eighth.
One remembers his fine performances
last year against williams at German
town. Alfonso in their Davis cup tie, and
especially the challenge round matches
against Tilden and Johnston. Just be-
fore he sailed home Patterson told me
that most people did not realize that he
was always fully fifteen better at the
close Of a season than at its commence
ment. This fact accounts for his de-
feat by Hunter the week after he
landed In America. and his close escape
from defeat by Colbert in Boston soon
after.
Patterson has played comparatively
little tennis this year. as he was
obliged to devote himself to business.
He was twice defeated by Anderson,
thus settling, for this season. the ques-
tion of their supremacy at home, a
question that agitates Australia Just
as. in former years, the followers of
Tilden and Johnston used to quarrel
over the respective merits OF these two
players. 1t is perhaps unfair to rank
Patterson this year, when he has par
ticipated neither at Wimbledon nor in
America, yet he is undoubtedly one OF
fta n
player who would, believe, outstrip
such men as the Kinseys. Hunter and
Fischer had he been able to compete
against them this year.
For the same reason 1 give O'Hara
Wood a place above these men, though
he must bow To Patterson, who de-
feated him at home In five-set match
Next year both Patterson and OHara
Wood expect to come to this country
again in quest of the cup. II the team
includes Anderson and is captained by
Norman Brookes, we shall have to look
to our laurels, as the trophy will be in
danger, particularly IL Johnston should
happen to have another bad year. At
our tournaments, and we shall then see
just how formidable they are when op-
posed to any one except Tflden and
Johnston.
Johnston Praises Washer.
According to Johnston, Washer is a
very fine player, who is capable of
giving any one a battle. The Belgian
forced Johnston to five sets in France.
and this is the second time he has
title.
Wallis Myers, too, thinks that Wash
er's speed win trouble any one il he is
allowed to gain his best form. So, all
things considered, I have no hesitancy
In placing him last on the list. Washer
is strong as bull, can last forever and
is great fighter. He will enter the
Olympic contest in Paris next year.
after which 1t is to be hoped that he
with us.
Copyright. 1881