The Washington times., 1924-05-26
-ENGLE N
AGAIN IS
QUEER
Disappointing Withdrawal
From Wimbledon Tourney
Lamely Explained
b. TOM THORP.

NEW YORK, May 26.-Tennis
fans in the United States are
greatly disappointed over the news
that Suzanne Lenglen, the French
Flash, will not be. a competitor
in the British championships at
Wimbledon in June. Many felt
that with Helen Wills, the sensa-
tional California girl, at the height
of her game the French champion
would have to improve on what
she has ever shown in an inter-
national series to win. Suzanne's
withdrawal will probably make
Miss Wills favorite for the
premier court honOrs.
Many, reports have come to this
country about the health of the
French star. Few thought that her
fitness would keep her from TAX
ing part in the big British series.
Many were of the opinion that with
Helen Wills making the trip across
the Atlantic for the sole purpose
of meeting Suzanne the French
star would not sidestep the issue.
Tennis experts figured that II SUI
zanne did not conquer Helen In the
Wimbledon series she would have
very little change Of taking her
measure after the American girl had
become acclimated to European con-
jitions.
Mile. Lenglen has given as one Of
her reasons for sidestepping the
Wimbledon series that the latter IS
played on grass courts. This is in
deep contrast to the training condI-
tions that Suzanne has Teen used 10.
Most of her playing has been lone
on clay courts. However, the French
star must have been poorly in
formed as to the conditions that
Helen Wills met with during her
training siege on the Pacific coast.
They play most Of their tennis
out West on asphalt courts. These
are even faster than clay courts.
HeIen's speed is such that she is
not bothered by the style Of court
che is asked to play upon. At the
West Side Club last fan, She dis
played phenomenal speed on the
grass for q player who was de-
YelOped on asphalt courts. Some
say that her ground shots sui
fere.l because Of her Lack Of prIc-
rice on the grass. That may be SO.
She showed at Forest Hills. how
ever, before she left the United
States on her European invasion
that her ground shots are equally
rs effective as any If her others.
Another reason given for Sn.
zanne deciding to wait until the
Olymnice to match her tennis 1blli
ty against Helen's is that the British
crowd always roots for the under
dog" To one different from the
California girl this might have some
effect upon her game. In tight aih-
letic contests. temperament Is
valuable asset when controlled by
sound sense.
The French girl gave a very, poor
demonstration of self-control when
she defaulted to Mrs. Molla BUR
stedt Mallory at Forest Hills. 1t
may be those who are advising the
French star thought that the re-
cent announcement might affect
Helen's game. II this was rhei'
intention they missed their mark
by a wide margin. Two Of the Cali
fornia girls greatest assets In big
tournaments such as the Wimbledon
meet, and the Olympic games, are
a cool. steady head ard plenty Of
common sense.
She is the coolest proposition in
the tennis world when under fire.
Any attempt to get her goat" is
going to fail. The only way to
beat the Western star is by out.
playing her en- the cOsrt.
With Suzanne out the Wimbledon
series it looks as If Miss Wills would
SO into the British championship
a favorite fol- the Iitle. This would
be tho first time that an American
girl ever had the privilege and honor
to start q favorite IN this exclusive
series. What Is more, she is the first
American girl tennis player that
ever went across the Atlantic with
the full confidence of the fans in
the United States.
Her genial, personality has made
her one of the most popular play
Crs in the history Of the sport in
this country. A win BY her in the
Wimbledon meet and in the Olympic
championships would be a big boost
for tnunia in this country