Douglas daily dispatch., 1928-02-15
TILDEN, HUNTER
COME TO TERMS
AND WILL PLAY

NEW YORK, Feb IA R-Contrary
to the best known botanical laws,
ultimatums that bloom in the winter
time usually fade and wither by
spring. ssy asH
So it seems that HBig Bill" Tilden
and his touring partner, Frank
Hunter, now supplying the "one-two"
punch to. American tennis, will bear
the main burden of this country's
Davis cup challenge, after all and
irrespective OF where the matches are
played. >a.
If the American zone eliminations
are played early enough, and they
probably will be, Tilden and Hunter
will take part in them. But if they
aren't completed in sufficient time
to permit the veterans to go overseas.
and get accIimated for the finals. tlS:
concluding matches on this side may
well be entrusted to younger hands
while the older ones go abroad.
Thus the points OF view of Tilden
and Hunter as well as the national
association will be met by a COM
promise. This compromise Will be
based on the central thought animat-
put Americas best foot forward in
the Davis cup tournament this yea1
even though most of the experts arc
skepticaI OF much success in the new
French tennis stronghold.
It may not do for the United
States to take too much for granted,
but it seems, now, that only the most
startling sort of an upset can keep
the Americans from sweeping through
the American zone play.
Japan has been figured as q
dangerous rival in this zone competi-
ton, but it develops now That Take
icIli Harada, the No. Japanese star
will not be able to leave his native
country for the contest. Without
Harada, Japan's prospects would
hardly be any brighter than Americas
would be without Tilden.
In 1926 Harada, at the height OF
his game, defeated Little Bill'' john
ston and almost single handed kept
France out Of the challenge round
for the Davis cup. The sturdy
Japanese conquered both Lacoste and
Cochet in the interzone singles that
season but his team mates were
unable to give him winning support.
Mexico, this country's first round
opponent, has recruited its forces
mostly from American and Brltish
residents of Mexico City, such as
Robert Kinsey, former American
doubles champion, who played in the
Davis cup tournament last year
There is not much of a threat there
nor are Canada, Cuba and China
expected to put any severe obstacles
in Americas path to the inter-zone
finals.
J With Tilden and Hunter abroad
even during most Of the America
zone play, the competition coulc
safely be trusted to the skill oi
George Lott, John Hennessey, Bud
Chandler and possibly Little Bill
Johnston. as a steadying influence.
Swan songs were sung for Little
Bill" last fall after his disappointing
showing in the Davis cup challenge
round, but the Californian, his friends
believe, is far from through, ever
though left out of the new nationa
ranking. In fact, he already has
started something of come-bacF
campaign on the Pacific coast.
"Six weeks of stiff practice on turi
courts would put Johnston back II
AL shape" a prominent tennis Off
cial said today. "He discovered tC
his sorrow last season that he needs
at least that much time to get il
shape for a big campaign. In con-
dition Little Bill could trim any one
of the first ten ranking players witt
the exception Of Tilden."
Dick Williams also is understood
to be contemplating a comeback
The old guard, as well as the new
seems to have needed the loss OF the
Davis cup to be aroused to action.