Evening star., 1928-06-19
WILLIAMS PASSING
ALSO IS DEPL0RED
Youngsters Have Replaced
Veterans on American
Davis Cup Team.
BY VINCENT RICHARDS.


When the United States Davis Cup
team, comprising William T. Tilden
John Hennessy, George Lott and Junior
Coen, sailed for the other side in quest
Of the historic trophy, there was a
name missing from the lineup for the
first time in eight years.
I am speaking Of Little Bill john
ston. who for eight years formed the
background with Capt. Tilden, IN de-
fense Of the cup. In 1920 Tilden ana
Johnston MADE that r-to-be-for-
gotten trip 10 Australia, and there ie-
gained possession of the cup which had
left our shores Ave years before. Each
yesr after that it always was Tlidel
and Johnston who were looked to 10
keep the trophy here.
What a different story this year,
with the announcement from Cali
fcrnia that Johnston can no longer be
counted on as cup defender! BuSi-
ness was the reason given. but / really
believe the physical element was an
other factor.
Never blessed with robust makeup,
Johnston always was ur1Stinted IN the
energy he gave the game. have
PLAYED Bill in matches on hot day
when ii was nothing for him to lose 10
pounds. and when one considers that
the Californian never weighed more
than $50 at any time during his career
Il can ce seen it was pretty strenuous
game for him.
Johnston's Retirement Blow.
Johnston's retirement leaves a lump
IN the throat of every tennis lover Ia
i the United States His quiet, modest
I
most popular PLAYER. His career COW
cred Is years, and in all that time his
J gallant court demeanor never changed
/ II, is no secret that he will be missed
this year in the Davis Cup play. Tllden
retains his marvellous touch with the
racket. but it's the old story-1t takes
two 10 make a team.
Speaking of Jol1nston's inability 10
play this year, l must mention anotner
star who will not be seen in the DAVIS
Cuu lineup r. Norris Williams Is the
player. In his day he was invinci6le.
Dicks tennis method is not unlike
that Of Henri Cochet, French main
stay. No shot is too daring for Cocaet
CT williams. Each is tennis genius
and for that reason each has suffered
defeats that should never have occurred.
However would rather face any one
have an 'on" day.
Williams Davis Cup record is just
es impressive as Jollnstons. Since
1914 he has been competing in interna-
tinnal contests, and he has held every
national title. Unlike Johnston, he in
tends to play in local tournaments this
year. But so far as Davis Cup play
on the other side is concerned he is
unable TO take the time.
Johnston and Williams have reached
the age limit in competitive tennis. If
there is any limit in the game. John
ston is approaching IS. while Williams
Is past that age. On the other hand.
we have Tilden. who is IS, defying all
ioeas about age limits, intending to be
the United States mainstay In the
singles this year, and also assuming the
responsibilities of captain. ] admire
the confidence manifest in ssBig Bin"
throughout his career.
Against the age OF Johnston, Tilden
and Williams this year, there are Hem
messy, Lott and Coen. Hennessv is
ABOUT IS. and has been playing eight
years. He learned on clay courts around
indianapolis, and the Davis Gun
matches viii be played on clay courts
this season, for the first time in Is
years.
LOU Is pToduct OF the clay courts
q Chicago. He is natural athlete.
His Improvement this year has astound :
ed the experts.
In Coen the United States has the
youngest player in the history of the
game TO make a Davis Cup team. Just
10. Junior already has tasted inter
national competition. He is without
doubt the best prospect In the country
al present, and he should 20 far.
Howard. as Capt Tilden saws, don't
expect too much Of Coen abroad. II
viii be his first trip across. and the
different conditions overseas have been
known 70 bother veteran.
Coen Is IN much the position of a
preliminary prize fighter. He should
be brought along gradually until he
has acquired the experience TO cope
with veterans. expect vast improve
n1ent IN Coen when he returns after
playing az Wimbledon and In Paris,
Although he may be used by Capt. TIL
den In any Of the singles matches, he
VIII meet all the best players In prac-
tice and In the various European cham
pionships.
leopyright. 1928 in all countries By the
Worth American Newspaper AIhance.l