Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-09-17
TILDEN LOSES
TO FRENCH STAR
IN SIZZLING TENNIS

Forest Hills, Nv T., Sept. 1s.-(P)-
William TAtem Tilden, II. king Of
American tennis for six straight years,
was toppled from his throne today by
STRIPPING from France in as sensa.
tional struggle as any national
championship tournament has ever
witnessed.
Henry cochet 24-year-old French
star, who was not considered formid-
able enough to play for his country
in the Davis cup singles, accomplished
the downfall of this country's title
holder in five sets after a spectacular
pulse-stirring battle that was in doubt
until its closing moments. The scores
were 6-S, 6-1. 6-3, 1-6, Sc.
A crowd Of more than 10000 specta-
tors in the big West Side Clubs sta
dunn had hardly recovered from the
shock of Tilden's defeat when anoth-
er flashing French racquet wielder
stepped to the fore to eliminate Will
liam M. Johnston, the veteran little
Californian who has been the cham
pion's foremost rival and his partner
in Davis cup triumphs over seven
straight seasons.
Jean Borotra, the colorful bound
ing Basque" and holder of the Vim.
bledon championship, brought about
the days closing upset with a smash
ing rally that carried him to victory
over the firing Johnston in five sets,
decided by scores of as, 4-6, 6.S, GA,
Ga.
I Altogether 1t was as dark and
gloomy day as American tennis has
ever known for Rene Lacoste, third
of the major French threats, forged
his way to the semi-fnals by overcom-
ing the United States Davis cup cap
tain. Richard N. Williams. in straight
sets, 60, 6-3, Sc.
Vincent Richards, youngest OF
Americas "big four" was the only
one Of the quartet to escape defeat in
the French onslaught, and now stands
out as Uncle Sans sole hope of keep
ing the national title on home shores.
The convincing manner in which Rich
ards disposed of jacques Brugnon,
however, at 6-2. 6-1, 60, convinced OBJ
servers that the blonde-haired New
Yorker is at the top of his brilliant
game for the fight against the French
invasion.
Tomorrow Richards farces Borotra,
Johnston's conqueror, in one semi
tie to determine the other finalist.
Only once before, in 1908, when It
was captured by the British crack,
Hugh Doherty, has Americas premier
tennis crown passed to foreign hands.
Tilden, one the top wave Of brill
liant wave of the final set, seemed as
sured of victory when he led by 6-5 on
his own service He was unable, how
ever, to check the suddenly brilliant
in the first match he has ever played
with the American champion.
Throughout the tense fight for
points in the last three games the
Frenchman played inspired tennis,
turning the champions most furious
| drives into placements and smothering
his rivals usually powerful service.
1t was a fitting climax in the final
! game to have Cochet, with series OF
| marvellous recoveries, angle Tilden's
returns for three straight placements
that decided the match
Tilden's downfall was the climax,
not only of the most disastrous sea-
son he has experienced since reaching
the heights. but was Rnal touch to
the decline begun last Sunday when he
twisted a knee during the Davis cup
match he lost to Rene Lacoste.
| The necessity of favoring his knee
affected Tildens game throughout the
! early rounds of the tournament but it
J played little, IL any, part in his defeat
! today.